Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 18th May 2025, 9:52 am

Hi @salvager

Thanks for your comment on Camellias leaves turning brown. Given the recent heatwave here on the UK this looks at first galnce like heat stress ie not enough water and too much sun. Remember that Camellias like part shade for the most part and hate to be baked!

1. Heatwaves & Scorched Leaves

Camellias hate heatwaves they’re shade-loving divas, not desert dwellers. When temperatures soar, especially in exposed spots, the leaves can get scorched, turning crispy, brown, and sometimes curling up at the edges. Think of it as sunburn for plants.

• Relocate or shade: If your camellia is in a pot, move it to a shadier spot during summer. Morning sun + afternoon shade = happy camellia.

• Install shade cloth or use taller plants nearby to cast natural shade, which can be a bit of a pain given they look ugly!

• Mulch like Mad: A thick layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool and moist. Think of it as sunscreen for the soil.

2. Inconsistent Watering (Too Much or Too Little)

Camellias are a bit picky. They love moist, well-draining soil, not bogs or deserts. During heat waves, underwatering is common, and the roots can dry out. leading to these brown scorched leaves like you are experiencing. But overcompensating with too much water can suffocate roots and cause rot, so never leave Camellias sitting in water or boggy ground. That’s when you see brown leaf tips or spots.

• Water deeply, not daily. Give them a good soak 1–2 times a week instead of little sprinkles. My guide on how to water plants here will help.

• Stick your finger in the soil: If it’s bone dry or soggy, adjust your watering.

• Improve drainage by adding grit or compost if your soil’s a bit on the claggy side.

3. Poor Soil or pH Problems

Camellias are acid-loving plants. If they’re in alkaline or chalky soil, they can suffer nutrient lockout, leading to brown patches, especially on older leaves, and generally, their leaves turn yellow and look unhealthy for the most part. Meaning the shrub is in the wrong location and soil type.

• Check your soil pH: Aim for 5.5–6.5. A basic soil pH test kit will do or just look at what plants are thriving such as calicoles or califuges, more on that in my soil guide.

• Add ericaceous compost around the base if your soil’s too alkaline. This helps the Camelia access nutrients better than in neutral or alkaline soil where they will struggle for certain micro nutrients.

• Feed with a camellia-specific fertiliser (look for one labelled for acid-loving plants) in spring and summer or use comfrey tea.

https://youtu.be/drHhi8PQyQg

4. Frost Damage or Wind Burn

That lovely shiny foliage is vulnerable to cold winds and frost, which can turn leaves brown and papery. Often, damage shows up after the cold has passed and can take new gardeners by surprise.

• Windbreaks: Plant camellias where they’re protected from harsh winter winds.

• Fleece wraps: For potted camellias, fleece or hessian can help buffer them through cold snaps in the winter time.

• Mulch (again!): Keeps roots insulated. Seriously, never underestimate mulch.

5. Pest Problems or Fungal Issues

Brown blotches or spots with yellow halos? It could be leaf blight or scale insects. Fungal diseases and pests can stress your camellia, especially if it's already weakened by heat or drought.

• Prune affected leaves and dispose of them — don’t compost the nasties.

• Improve airflow around the plant by thinning out congested growth.

• Use liquid soap or organic pest sprays can help keep bugs in check.

Camellia Care Recap

• Keep them cool, shaded, and moist, not soggy

• Use acid-loving compost and fertilisers

• Protect from frost, wind, and extreme heat

• Mulch, mulch, mulch (seriously, it solves half your problems)

• Prune lightly and regularly to keep airflow going

Camellias can be a bit of a fuss, but get them right and they’ll reward you with jaw-dropping blooms when the rest of the garden is just twigs and regrets. A few tweaks — shade, water, mulch, and the right soil — and you’ll be well on your way to camellia perfection.

Hopefully that helps!

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja