Dieback

• Dieback in camellia bushes is a result of a fungus called Glorerella cingulata. The fungus requires a wound to enter the tree, and because camellias are popular landscape plants, wounds from lawnmowers and improper pruning cuts are common. Rain or irrigation could splash the fungus onto the tree. New growth is the first thing that's affected, so look for wilting of new growth as well as oozing cankers on the tree. Remove diseased branches as soon as possible and destroy them. Make a clean cut with sterilized pruning shears or a saw 6 inches below the lowest visible symptoms of the disease.
  
  

Root Rot

• The phytophthora fungus causes root rot in camellias, especially when the bush is grown in poorly draining, heavy soil. Phytophthora occurs naturally in the soil, but new plantings may be carrying it on their roots. Only under the right conditions will it cause much of a problem, but when it attacks, it prevents the tree from taking up water and nutrients and it eventually dies. Root rot symptoms appear during hot, dry weather. Consider planting Camellia sasanqua or Camellia oleifera instead of Camellia japonica, which is much more susceptible to root rot.
  
  

Flower Blight

• Flower blight destroys camellia flowers, which are the reason most people grow camellias in the first place. Symptoms usually appear in late winter or early spring as the weather begins to warm in warmer climates. Flower blight is also caused by a fungus, Ciborinia camelliae, and it appears as brown spots on the flower petals that eventually spread to destroy the entire flower. Fruiting bodies of the fungus can live in the soil at the base of the plant for years. Once conditions are ripe for its development, mushrooms appear and release spores. Remove and destroy affected blossoms. The American Camellia Society recommends planting fall-flowering varieties or Camellia sasanquas, which flowers earlier than other varieties and isn't affected.
  
  

Tea Scale

• According to the University of Georgia, tea scale is the most serious insect pest threat to flowering camellias. The tiny scale insects suck plant juices from the foliage. The insects are difficult to control because the adults develop a waxy coating on their backs that make them impervious to insecticide applications. Apply bands of double-sided tape to small stems to catch juveniles, or crawlers. Once they appear, it's the right time for an insecticide application.