Garden Q&A: Why are my camellia buds dropping before opening?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions  

Camellia japonica, commonly called Japanese camellia, is an evergreen shrub that typically grows to between two and four metres with glossy, dark green leaves. File picture

Question

Why are my camellia buds dropping before they open?

Answer

Camellias set their flower buds the previous summer and autumn, so when those buds drop before opening, it usually points to stress. 

A dry spell in late summer or autumn, when the buds are forming, is a common cause. 

If the plant becomes short of moisture at that stage, it may shed buds months later. Add to that, cold spells over winter, and this will also damage swelling buds, particularly if they are exposed to sharp frost or biting easterly winds.

Waterlogged soil is another frequent problem. Camellias are shallow-rooted and dislike sitting in heavy, poorly drained ground. 

Roots that remain wet and airless or suffer drought during summer and autumn, or plants that are exposed to too much cold in winter, struggle, and they respond by dropping buds.

• Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email [e-mail]