Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Inspect the flowers for brown, mushy spots.
- Check if the spots are only on the petals or on the leaves too.
- Look at the location to see if it gets direct afternoon sun.
Likely causes
Petal Blight
Most likelyHow to tell: Brown spots appear on the petals and quickly spread until the whole flower turns brown and falls off. The leaves usually remain unaffected.
What to do: Pick off and destroy all infected flowers immediately. Do not compost them, as the fungus can live in the soil and return next year.
Sun Scorch
PossibleHow to tell: Brown, dry patches appear on the leaves or petals that face the afternoon sun. The edges of the petals may look crispy.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot with more shade or install a shade cloth to protect it from harsh afternoon light. Ensure the plant gets plenty of water during hot spells.
When to worry
Petal blight is serious because it ruins the entire blooming season. If the spots are just on the edges of the leaves, it is usually just a minor environmental issue.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area under the bush clean of fallen petals and debris to prevent fungal spores from overwintering.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your camellia.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Should I spray the whole plant with fungicide?
- Fungicides are not very effective once the blight has started. The best approach is to remove infected flowers and keep the ground clean.
- Will this disease kill my camellia bush?
- No, petal blight only affects the flowers. Your plant will survive, but you will lose the blooms for the season.
More problems with Camellia
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.