Camellias for Autumn in Melbourne | The Greenery Garden & Home 

Hello, Camellia sinensis, or the tea plant, grows very well in part shade in Melbourne. It prefers a cooler climate and Melbourne’s autumns and winters are excellent for this plant. Dappled shade is best, not deep shade, to ensure good flowering. This position also protects the plant against harsh summer sun or winter frosts. Make sure the garden bed has good drainage. Keep moist during summer. Camellia sinensis is often grown as a hedging plant in Melbourne or as a shrub of 1-2 metres high and wide. It’s also lovely to grow in a pot, especially is a shaded courtyard.

Thank you for your enquiry. It’s difficult to diagnose a plant issue without seeing a sample or a photo, however brown and crispy leaves can be an indicator of the plant experiencing a heavy frost. Melbourne’s winter can damage plants overnight resulting in “burnt” foliage. Leave the foliage on the plant until warmer weather arrives, then trim it off to encourage new growth. Another cause could be heavy rain, overwatering or simply a heavy clay soil. Hold off on watering if this is the case, and heavy clay soils need to be improved by digging lots of compost and mulch through the soil. If you need further help you are welcome to bring a sample of the damaged leaves into our store and one of our staff will be happy to assist.