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Camelia

United Kingdom Gb

The leaves on my Camelia are curling up and faling off, I can't see anything on them and they are regrowing. They are in tubs with ericacious compost and feed. Can you tell me what the problem may be please?




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Camellias and rhododenrons are among many plants which NEED acidic soil to release essential nutrients to the plant otherwise they will behave as if they are starved of these - which is exactly the case.

Unfortunately, you are one of many, many gardeners who see the photographs of healthy acid-loving plants on the bags of ericaceous compost (and probably watch the tv gardening progs advocating its use for such plants) and not unreasonably reach the wrong conclusion . . . . . .

Whereas the reality of ericaceous compost simply means it is "WITHOUT LIME".

Which also means you can have a lime-free compost that is NOT ACIDIC. Check the actual acidity of your ericaceous compost to confirm.

13 Apr, 2009

 

I understand the answer from Muddywellies but what's the best way to make the compost more acidic?

13 Apr, 2009

 

some composts are truly ericaceous ie acidic, very peaty and i have used them for years with no problems. as they are in tubs i think it is more likely to be a watering issue. especially as you say there is new growth happening. I give mine a feed of sequestrene 2-3 times a year. now mid summer and mid autumn.

13 Apr, 2009

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