Camelia Help ?

[Chillimad]

Hi All,

Last year I purchased a small Camelia plant, potted it up in ericous (sp) compost.

Well it has grown ok and there have been buds on it since christmas but there is no sign of the buds actually opening up.

I noticed in the garden centres theirs are all in bloom.

Have I done something wrong or are they a tempermental plant ?.

Thanks for any help

[vicky]

Outdoor ones round here are not in flower yet, I'd suggest the garden centre ones have been kept indoor to time the flowers for mother's day? Also spring is a big late this year!
If yours has big fat buds you should have some soon, leaf buds are thinner and more elongated. Success with camelias relates to how much water they get in the autumn, if yours doesn't flower this year make sure it's kept well watered in the autumn when the flower buds are forming.

[Chillimad]

Thanks Vicky, will just have to wait then, it is in a 20ltr pot, if that makes any difference ?

[rana]

Given a mild spell of weather Camelias should be ready to flower in the next week or two but Keep it sheltered. Cold winds at this time of year can damage the buds or cause bud drop.

[IgglePiggle]

Just looked back at some pictures and my next door's one was in full flower on 24th of march, so your still got time

Mine had never flowered through! I do keep moving it, so that might have something to do with it

[Alison]

Different types of camelllias flower at different times, the early ones will be out in Jan if it's a mild winter but others aren't until the end of March. Ideally they should be planted in acidic soil (as you've done) and put so that they don't get morning sun so the buds don't warm up too early after a frosty night. Mine is on the point of flowering but next door's is almost finished. Pretty much the same location (just one house along) but different varieties. Don't panic, so long as the leaves are dark green and glossy then you're not doing anything wrong.