Trimming Camellias

[wildmustng87]

Hi all,

In my backyard there are 5 or 6 camellia bushes that have been here long before we moved here, I am estimating at least 15 years or so since we have lived here for ten. They are very unhealthy looking, straggly and wild, and I would like to cut them back since they haven't been bothered with in the 10 years we have lived here. My question is when and how should I trim them? I am seeing some very small buds on them now, and I don't want to kill them by cutting them back too much or too soon. Any advice would be Greatly appreciated.. thanks!

[bullthistle]

I'd wait until after they bloom but after you cut them back, you know what they look like, dig a trench around the base, at the drip line and drop in some fertilzer and cow manure or compost. The soil more then likely is depleated and you want to build it up. You need healthy roots first to get a healthy plant.