I have a small camellia which was in our townhouse garden when we purchased in 2006. It did not thrive where it was, looking sparse, thin and a bit pale [too dry an area out of reach of the irrigation system, I think, and too crowded with other plants] so in renewing the garden this past spring [2008] I transplanted it near a birdbath where it will be moistened owing to frequent hosing out and refilling of the birdbath... and not too close to other shrubbery. The shrub seems healthier, greener, and is filling out more, but the leaves look slightly droopy with the tips turned-down slightly, even though I am watering it well. I can't remember if it looked that way before transplanting, but I don't think so. Otherwise healthy, no yellowing or residues. This shrub is not going to grow tall, I don't believe -- it was only about 3 feet when I moved it and while there is some top growth now most of the growth has gone to filling out. There was one really beautiful true red double or semi-double bloom on it this past spring, the first one I had seen since moving in. I have no idea of the variety. Just curious about the slightly droopy leaves -- yet they look healthier than the non-drooping leaves on a normal camellia I have fairly nearby, growing quite tall, on which some leaves are yellowing and dropping owing to aging, although I think the shrub is fine, well-cared for and blooms nicely.
Might be dry anyway despite bird bath water. Otherwise the bird bath water idea might pose some problem potential if results in soil in the root area being kept soggy. Also as a rule it is best not to apply standing water to plants, unless it is being kept quite clean. One of the major problems with growing plants in many regions is root rot caused by water molds. These are spread in infested water. If continuing to improve your shrub is in fact liable to grow quite large, unless pruned. Camellias are exceptionally tolerant of pruning.
Thanks -- I have refrained from filling the birdbath for the last couple of weeks and am at the moment just watering the soil of the camellia with my hose during dry periods to supplement the irrigation system which reaches it to some degree in its new place. Do camellias benefit from misting or watering the leaf area? Occasionally I do that for all my shrubs during a dry period...
Yes, it is a monsoon climate shrub. However, these are more drought-enduring than rhododendrons. It might have something to do with most wild camellia species originating in comparatively low, warm forests. Perhaps very high temperature episodes or failure of the monsoons is more likely there than in higher, cooler areas. If this bush isn't mulched it would probably benefit from that. Mulching is good general practice, about the only thing not likely to be assisted is warm season vegetables in a cool climate.
