Plant Doctor Archive

Waterlily camellia

Question I HAVE a lovely ‘Waterlily’ camellia shrub. The last two years the blooms have not all been perfect. A large number have a pointed cabbage-like centre that does not open and in most cases drops off leaving only the outer petals. Is this a case of too much water or lack of it, as I have noticed other ‘Waterlily’ shrubs the same as mine! Hope you can help me please.

Answer  CAMELLIAS are wonderful plants for a show of flowers. The only downside is when the flowers get water-damaged or fall off from excessive water damage.

Reduce the risks of the flowers spoiling by improving the drainage in the area. To do this you may have to raise the plant and add some piping, or move the plant to a freer draining site. However, I’ve also seen the ‘Waterlily’ camellia drop its petals and have a funny centre — I think it may just be its nature.

Weekend Gardener, Issue 114, 2003, Page 23