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Master Gardener Decision Support Guide

Woody Ornamentals

Camellia


The problem you have described is cold injury. There is no cure once the problem has occurred. Choosing planting sites on north slopes in partial shade will keep camellias from blooming as early. This may avoid some of the freezing temperatures. Any protection that keeps the petals above the freezing point will prevent damage in future years. The freezing point for fully open flowers is about 29 degrees. The stem and leaves have a lower freezing point so they are less likely to be affected by late frost. The plant should shed the dead flowers and continue to grow normally.

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Designed by David Goforth on April 13, 1998.
Contents modified on April 13, 1998.
Contents checked on April 13, 1998.