Camellia Issues

Hello

I hope someone can help. We have a Camellia that is approximately 18 years old (See photos). It was in a pot for the first 5 years and then put into the border. As you can see it is in a pretty sorry state. We have another Camellia next to it that is thriving. Can anyone suggest what we can do, if anything. Please note my knowledge of gardening is minimal.

Thanks

Chris

 

Hiya Thekarter
Couple of things.
Did you water THOROUGHLY when you planted it?
Was the plant rootbound?.....i.e. Did you notice if the roots were tighly congested?
Did you mix in any compost, etc. into the planting hole?
Anyway, the plant needs feeding...you said you have another camellia growing well there so your soil is not a problem.
I would water the plant with sequestered iron and magnesium....your garden centre or diy store sells it. Then water well and mulch.....use an ericaceous compost for this.
I think you will see an improvement quite quickly.
(For flowers next spring this is the time when you need to keep camellias well watered....they form their flower buds during July and August)

 

Hard to believe that has been struggling on for 13yrs.
Seems the roots are not moving to me.

I think general watering, even when it's been raining might eventually get it going.
Failing that, I'd dig it out and have a look at the roots.