text: Is it dead? - Camellia Forum - GardenWeb
  Posted by djq07 8b TX (My Page) on Sun, Jun 5, 05 at 19:31
  my neighbors had a 20-30 year old camelia removed from in front of their house and we transplanted it to our yard about two months ago. (Houston, TX) It gets more sun, but still full shade after 1:00 pm. I pruned about 25% of the branches at transplant, and have given it adequate water, but 95% of its leaves are now dead/brown/crispy! It still has a very few green leaves, and when I scratched the bark, it still has a green layer beneath. I think its a goner, but hate to toss it out if it might come back. Any ideas?
  clip this post email this post what is this?see most clipped and recent clippingsPosted by ForrestAL Gulf Coast z8b (My Page) on Sun, Jun 5, 05 at 22:58Don't throw it out yet! The big ones are hard to move any time of year, and spring is the hardest. It sounds like a lot of roots were lost, which is why the wood is still green but the plant is unable to service the leaves. A camellia is pretty thrifty, and can survive awhile that way, but unless it develops some new roots, it will continue to decline. With camellias that is a slow process as camellias are slow growers. I would suggest using liquid root stimulator periodically and keep the plant well watered all summer, water it deeply every few days, and don't let it dry out. Also mist the leaves as often as you can to help them stay alive while the roots regenerate. You won't know for awhile if it will make it, but as long as the wood is green, it is still viable. Hang in there. A mature camellia is well worth trying to save.
  clip this post email this post what is this?see most clipped and recent clippingsPosted by Laurie_Bray z8 (My Page) on Mon, Jul 4, 05 at 7:43If the leaves are brown, it's because over-feeding or watering during the sun is shinig on the leaves. Watering is essential, but not too much. Be patient and wait.
  clip this post email this post what is this?see most clipped and recent clippingsPosted by longriver SF Bay Area (My Page) on Mon, Jul 4, 05 at 15:13It is better to build a temporary shelter to keep the plant in over 80% shade. It should not be in full sun even for short hours. The plant should be under intensive care. Very fine mist the branches twice daily, but not too much water. Hopely, new leave buds will be merging later.