Camellia are prominent flowering shrubs in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. Approximately 2,000,000 camellia plants are grown in Southern greenhouses and nurseries each year. Three species of camellia are in general cultivation:Camellia japonica, C. sasanqua, and C. reticulata. Varieties of these species flower in red, pink, or white, or combinations of these colors. Though numerous species of insects and mites have been reported on Camellia few actually cause damage; the vast majority are merely casual visitors. Scale insects are the most serious pests of the camellia

KEY TO COMMON AND IMPORTANT CAMELLIA PESTS

1. Camellia scale- Most prevalent on cuttings and young plants grown in greenhouses, the camellia scale infests only leaves. The foliage appears sickly but not discolored; it can drop prematurely. The armor of the female scale resembles a tiny oyster shell.

2. Peony scale-Appearing white and circular on bark, the peony scale can kill twigs and branches, if infestation is severe. The convex shell of the scale, being small and brown, is an inconspicuous hump on the bark.

3. Tea scale-On the upper surface of infested leaves are yellow splotches caused by the feeding of the underlying insects; cottony masses are evident on the undersides of the leaves. Plant vigor and production of blooms may be impaired.

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