How to thicken a Camellia sasanqua hedge?

GLT

When I moved into my house, the Camellia sasanqua hedge at the back was tall and thick, providing great screening from the back neighbours.  Over the last 3 or so years, the hedge has thinned dramatically and there has been quite a lot of die-back, which I've tried to prune off, in case there was some sort of disease present. Is there a way I can re-thicken up the hedge?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @GLT. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about Camellia care.

That really depends on where the thinning and dieback is occurring. If you can share a couple of photos of the hedge, that would help us give you more targeted advice. Let me know if you need assistance uploading images. 

The main issue with Camellias (and many other screening plants) is that once the lower branches become shaded by the upper canopy, they often won’t regrow or “back bud” in those areas. The plant puts its energy into the top growth because that’s where it gets the most sunlight.

If the dieback is mainly low down, it can be very hard to encourage fresh growth there. What you can try is to prune back some of the upper canopy to allow more light to reach the lower sections. At the same time, feed the hedge well with a slow-release fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants (like azaleas and camellias), and improve the soil with compost or organic matter to encourage healthy regrowth.

If the thinning is more general, across the whole plant, then consistent feeding, watering during dry spells, and a light prune to encourage bushiness can help the hedge thicken up again over time.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell