If you are offered a camellia as easy to care for and/or hardy, then you should be skeptical. Only a few varieties survive a harsh winter without good protection. Even in the wrong location, damage to the camellia doesn't take long to appear.
Why is my camellia drying out and how can I prevent it?
A camellia may dry out due to incorrect location, lack of water, too much watering, frost damage or waterlogging. Regular watering, choosing a shady location and protecting root balls in winter can prevent drying out.
Dry, brown leaves are common when a camellia is placed in a very sunny spot. It needs a lot of light, but not in full sun; it thrives much better in light shade. The camellia is not winter hardy until it is three or more years old. Even then, long periods of frost are usually not good for you.
Why is my camellia drying up?
It's not just a lack of water that causes a camellia to dry out, other causes also lead to this result. The camellia is not only demanding but also very unforgiving. If their roots are frozen or the ball is completely dried out, then even abundant watering may no longer be of any use.
A camellia dries out particularly easily in winter, when hardly any garden owner expects it. As an evergreen plant, the camellia needs sufficient water throughout the year. However, when there is frost, it cannot draw moisture from the ground. If evaporation through the leaves is high at the same time, the camellia will die of thirst. Therefore it should not be left in the morning sun in winter.
Can the camellia dry out despite abundant watering?
Too much water can also cause your camellia to dry out, as paradoxical as this sounds. If waterlogging persists for a long time, the roots will rot. Without this, water supply is no longer possible and the camellia wilts.
Saving the camellia is quite possible if there is still some he althy roots left. This applies to both frost damage and waterlogging. Remove any rotten root parts and place the camellia in fresh soil.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: in light shade
- Watering: regularly, but not too much
in winter: especially protect the root ball from frost, water little, no morning sun
Tip
The root ball of your camellia should never become completely dry.
