Q What causes a lack of flowers on camellias?

A Most camellias flower at an early age, but some will not flower until they are five years old or more. To make sure you have one that's of flowering age, buy it in flower.

Caption: Mulching helps keep the roots moist to avoid the buds dropping off

Other factors can affect camellia flowers:

Lack of water

If the plant dries out when flower buds are being formed in late summer, growth will be interrupted. This results in no flowers being formed or buds dropping off just before they are due to open.

Frost

After buds have formed, frost can cause them to shrivel up and turn brown. Sunlight should not be allowed to fall on frosted buds before the ice has melted, so avoid east-facing sites.

Excessive feeding

This can encourage soft, lush growth that doesn't ripen enough to form flowers, particularly if nitrogen fertilisers are used.

Poor planting

Badly planted specimens or those growing in poor conditions are less likely to flower.

Q What are ideal growing conditions for camellias?

A In their native habitat of eastern Asia, camellias grow in dappled shade on humus-rich, well-drained, acid soils. Rainfall and humidity are high in these regions. In the UK, deep, acid soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 in areas with high rainfall are likely to be the most successful spots. Use a cheap chemical pH kit to test the acidity of your soil. Only Camellia x williamsii varieties are likely to flower well outdoors in the north. Others such as C. japonica and C. sasanqua need warmer weather to produce a good display. C. japonica varieties prefer more sun than other kinds.

Q Do I need to water camellias?

A Camellias form flower buds the previous summer. So if they run short of water from July onwards, there is a risk of them aborting next year's flowers. Camellias growing in semi-shade on deep, humus-rich soil which is regularly mulched in spring and autumn are unlikely to need watering, except in an unusually long, hot summer. However, camellias growing in less than ideal conditions and those in raised beds or pots may need watering up to twice a day in hot, dry spells. Mulch with a 5cm layer of bark, coir or leaf mould to reduce evaporation.

Q What should I use to water my camellias?

A Rainwater is the best. When this is exhausted, use tap water. In hard water areas do not use 'softened' water as this contains sodium which may build up to harmful levels in the soil.

Q Do I need to feed camellias?

A Camellias growing on deep, humus-rich soils are unlikely to need regular feeding. However, camellias growing in sandy soils low in organic matter or in pots will almost certainly need to be fed. Use a granular slow-release fertiliser in April. Alternatively, use general-purpose liquid feed from March to June, swapping to a high-potash feed in July and August. Plants that don’t flower well can be dressed in April with sulphate of potash at 70g a sq m.