Question
it's spring here in vancouver and my camelia tree, which i planted last summer, is now beginning to bud. but unfortunately the buds are falling off the tree b4 they have a chance to open. why is this happening. the tree was planted in good soil, close to the house so it's protected from the wind and rain, and it is also facing the south west which i thought it would enjoy. the leaves on the tree are pretty healthy, a dark green with no mildew or other types of spots. can you atell me wht's happening?

Answer
Hi Robert

BUD DROP OF CAMELLIAS. Bud drop is a fairly common problem that causes concern among camellia growers at all levels of expertise. Because camellias bloom during the winter months, they are susceptible to wide swings of temperature that are part of the "normal" winter weather.  Freezing temperatures can cause buds to drop before opening, especially with young plants and some varieties that are cold sensitive, such as hybrids of C. reticulata. Long periods of hot weather in the early fall can cause buds to drop off in late fall. In the spring, late-blooming varieties may drop their buds before opening as the temperatures begin to rise and initiate shoot growth. Avoid planting varieties that open too late or gibbing the flower buds to enjoy them earlier in the season. New growers may not realize that all camellia varieties do not perform equally well in all locations.

Wide fluctuations in moisture can also cause dropping of flower buds. Camellias do best when moisture is sufficient and uniform. Bud drop can be caused by soil that is either too wet or too dry. Neglect of any cultural factor--soil, nutrition, water, drainage, shade--can cause bud drop. Any type of stress on the plant can result in bud drop. If this condition occurs year after year, it may be a varietal problem, which can be resolved by grafting to another rootstock or transplanting the plant to another location. A camellia bud mite may be the problem. Early blooming varieties or gibbing for earlier blooms can prevent mite damage. Spraying plants with a miticide, applied as soon as flower buds have set, will usually control flower bud mites,  you can also try a product called Atomic Grow which will make your plant have more brix which is the sweetness in the plant.  The higher the brix the less bugs and diseases will both it.  It is totally organic and you just mix with water and spray on.  Hope this info helps.  kathy