Troubleshooting
Camellia 'Bob Hope' problems — and how to fix them
Camellia 'Bob Hope' (Camellia japonica 'Bob Hope') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Bud drop
The most common complaint; caused by drought stress during bud set (late summer to autumn), root disturbance, or sudden cold snaps; water consistently and avoid moving plants in autumn.
Petal blight
Brown, water-soaked flower patches from Ciborinia camelliae fungus; rake up and dispose of fallen flowers and petals promptly — do not compost.
Yellow leaves (chlorosis)
Iron or manganese deficiency in alkaline soil; treat with sequestered iron chelate and check soil pH.
Vine weevil
Notched leaf margins and wilting indicate adult or larval feeding; apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema) to the root zone in late summer.
Aphids on new growth
Soft aphid colonies on spring shoots; blast off with a strong water jet or apply insecticidal soap, avoiding open flowers.
Prevent camellia 'bob hope' problems before they start
Most camellia 'bob hope' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Camellia 'Bob Hope' problems — FAQ
Why is my camellia 'bob hope' bud drop?
The most common complaint; caused by drought stress during bud set (late summer to autumn), root disturbance, or sudden cold snaps; water consistently and avoid moving plants in autumn.
Why is my camellia 'bob hope' petal blight?
Brown, water-soaked flower patches from Ciborinia camelliae fungus; rake up and dispose of fallen flowers and petals promptly — do not compost.
Why is my camellia 'bob hope' yellow leaves (chlorosis)?
Iron or manganese deficiency in alkaline soil; treat with sequestered iron chelate and check soil pH.
Why is my camellia 'bob hope' vine weevil?
Notched leaf margins and wilting indicate adult or larval feeding; apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema) to the root zone in late summer.
Why is my camellia 'bob hope' aphids on new growth?
Soft aphid colonies on spring shoots; blast off with a strong water jet or apply insecticidal soap, avoiding open flowers.