Prune after flowering - check out the advice at http://www.trehane.co.uk/kb_results.asp?ID=7

Hi Bloomer, I would leave it till any flower buds you have got have finished flowering, you may as well make the most of what you have, give it plenty of water in late summer, to encourage the formation of flower buds, Derek.

Thank you Urbanite and Derek..I only have buds lower down this year,and none at the top,which is where I was going to prune back,mainly to maintain a better shape..It's the first time it hasn't flowered well,despite keeping it well watered,mulching and feeding with products suitable for acid loving plants.. ...Maybe it is having a sulk !

Hi Bloomer, Camellia's can tolerate a hard prune, but make sure you're not overfeeding them, they should be given a balanced liquid feed in mid spring, and again if necessary in early summer, and give them a 2-3" mulch in spring, this should help flowering, Derek.

Thank you,Derek..Last summer,I posted a photo of an infestation I had on the Camellia..I wonder if that had anything to do with it ? If you wouldn't mind,could you have a look on my questions page,and see what you think please? I had a few comments about it,as I've never had anything like that before....

HI Bloomer, just had a look at your previous question, I agree with Bamboo, scale insects, but I doubt if they have had any effect on this years flowering, as you got rid of them before the buds were set, they're also prone to honey fungus, but there was no sign of that, if there had been, that may have affected flowering, I think I would prune out the bits you don't want after flowering, feed, mulch, and plenty of water in late summer, you shouldn't have a problem next year, Derek.

You are a star,Derek..I really appreciate you taking the time to look at my other question,and giving me advice,which I will follow..I'll keep a look out this summer for scale insects..forearmed is forewarned ..Sandra

Hi Sandra, you're welcome, thanks for the compliment, always glad to help a fellow gardener when I can, Derek.

Cheers,Derek ..