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.

Camellia: spots, causes and fixes

Check 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 likely
How 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
Possible
How 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.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your camellia

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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.

Camellia: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your camellia and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, 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.

Why are there brown spots on my camellia flowers?