Question From:
Maureen Hunter in Willetton, Perth Western Australia
Nature of problem:
Camellias
Type of Plant (if known):
Camellias
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Camellias are growing well, but they are in the wrong place.
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Sandy
How often do you water the plant:
twice a week during summer, not at all during winter
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
They are in full sun until about 5pm
How long since you planted it:
Not sure as they were in the garden when we bought the house. They are about 2 metres tall
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Slow release pellets
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
None
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
We have about 10 x 2m high red and deep pink camellias which were in the garden when we bought the house two years ago. Unfortunately they have been planted in a curve around the swimming pool which is only about 1 metre away all the way around, so all leaves and flowers drop into it. Would it be possible to transplant these into pots please or shall we have to just take them out?
Thank you so much for any advice.
Kind regards
Maureen
Answer:
Hi Maureen. I am not sure what you mean and what plants you have. I guess that they might be Sasanqua Camellias which tolerate full sun quite well. If you want to grow them in full sun you will need Wine Cask sized pots. Transplant them in July. Cut a root ball about 70cm in diameter and wash two thirds of the soil from the roots. Plant the camellias into a premium quality potting mix like Osmocote and grow them in part shade for 3-4 months. This is still a risky procedure and you may well lose some of them. Good luck, Don
