Camellia petal and flower blight—Ciborinia camelliae
Camellia petal blight causes blossoms to rot. Brown lesions develop, with the centers discoloring first.
Blossoms drop prematurely. Petal veins darker brown than the surrounding tissue distinguishes camellia
petal blight from similar damage caused by Botrytis blight, frost, and injury due to mishandling or wind.
Camellia petal blight is a fungal disease promoted by rainy weather.
Solutions
Apply 4 inches of
organic mulch beneath plants to reduce spore survival. Do not add camellia petals or leaves to any compost
that will be used around camellias. Each year after the blossoming season, place a fresh layer of organic
mulch on top of existing mulch beneath plants. Avoid moving or disturbing existing mulch beneath plants
onto which fungal spores may have settled. Pick and dispose of all blighted blossoms. Avoid overhead irrigation.
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Browning of camellia blossom
 Rotted
blossom
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