Question
Hi there , we have a beautiful camilia , it is pink and every March it is full with blooms within a very short space of time . However just as quickly all the blooms die and turn brown . If I try to keep up with the dead-heading the new buds and flower heads still blooming fall off as well . This has been happening for the last 2 or 3 years . Is this normal or is there something wrong somewhere . It is in a raised bed with other shrubs . The bed is triangular about 8" by 6" and 2" deep . I believe it has the correct soil as my husband was careful to do that when he filled the bed up . Please do you have any ideas why this is happening. Many thanks , Pat .

Answer
Good morning, Pat.

I think that it is likely that your camellias have a flower blight fungus that is causing the problem.  Usually, there are little to no symptoms on the leaves and stems.  Just the flowers are attacked.

I am going to suggest that you read about this disease at the following link.  It gives advise on some control options that you have.  Unfortunately, this problem is very difficult to combat.

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=116

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2053.html

Good luck with your plants!
--Jen