| My April Kiss camellia shrubs are supposed to have white blooms. However, each one has produced a few dark pink blooms this year as well as many white blooms. I also notice that some leaves on each of these shrubs have a bronze cast to them and readily come off. Do I have a problem? If so, what should I do? Thank you. Sincerely, Mary Quistorff |
| The bronze or reddish cast on the foliage is simply a result of cold winter weather. Although camellias are evergreen, they do eventually lose their leaves (oldest first, sporadic leaf drop during the season). So, the damaged leaves will drop on their own and shouldn't cause you any concern. April Kiss is the offspring of Bernenice Boddy (a pink flowering camellia) and Reg Ragland, which has rose red flowers. I suspect that the dark pink blooms are being produced on a single branch. I would cut this branch off at its base to keep your April Kiss from producing off-color blooms. Best wishes with your landscape! |
