Camellia Petal Blight

This may be camellia blight, a fungus that is soil-borne. During winter and spring rains, moisture splashes the soil and moves the fungus from the soil to the branches and foliage and then to the buds and opening flower petals. When and if the buds open, the petals decay and are brown and mushy. If infected buds, flowers, and leaves are left on the ground, the cycle will continue and destroy your plant’s flower production. So pick up the fallen camellia debris and dispose in the trash. Also apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, leaving a 2- inch diameter around the base of the plant clear to help break the cycle. And, once flowers are spent, camellias need an acid fertilizer such as Camellia/Azalea food or cottonseed meal. Camellias do best in partial shade or filtered light and regular water. Here is more information: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/DISEASES/campfbli.html