I do want to point out some information I read in The Camellia Journal (March through May 2007 issue) that was written by Clifford Parks. I don't know why I hadn't read it before, but I was going through some of my old issues and this one caught my eye. He states that numerous observations he has made over the past 40 years has made him question the whole shade issue. He has found that once a camellia adjusts to increased sunshine, they have done well, as long as they are growing in a humid climate. He said the situation is different in hot, dry climates. He has also found that the new leaves, as the plant adjusts, are normal. Dr. Ackerman seems to concur.

My own experience has also been the same. Once my plants have adjusted from nursery conditions, they have been fine. The exception to this is that they do not like being planted near a house foundation in the sun, where they receive additional light and heat reflected from the house. The north side of the house is fine, even if the camellia receives full sun part of the year there, with shade the rest of the year. I also have japonicas on the east side of my pool screenhouse, where they receive quite a bit of sun. However, the sun is filtered by the screen and blocked by my house as the sun swings through the sky in the afternoon (putting them in shade). Any other foundation planting has not worked for me where there is no relief from the sun, and reflection from my white house. That is, the west and south sides. I also have found that potted camellias cannot tolerate too much full sun. Once planted, they are fine, so there is some stress that must be associated with them being in a pot, even when watered well.

Jerry Conrad (Erinon Camellia Nursery), has told me that camellias will require more water, and more food, to help offset the extra stress they may experience in an increased sun situation. The camellias I have in more sunlight flower heavier than those that are in more shaded conditions.

I also have some camellias that seem exceptionally happy with being planted under my palm trees. They still receive quite a bit of sun, but the palms offer a moderating effect with temps, as well as filtering some of the strongest sun.

I'd say keep a close watch on your camellias, and observe how the new leaves look. If they look healthy, most likely your camellias will adjust to your growing conditions. If they show no sign of healthy growth, and continue to decline, determine if there is a fungal or insect problem before deciding to transplant. Sometimes it is necessary to move a plant, but I would use that as a last resort. Your local camellia society most likely has an experienced person to help identify insect or disease issues. Your camellias may also need a little extra water, so check your soil. I usually make sure I run my irrigation early in the evening when we have a freeze warning, BEFORE it goes down below freezing.

Hope I've helped a little.

Sandy