As plants get large, there are more growing points and a large number of flower buds are set per plant. The amount of shoot growth is reduced and the individual flowers tend to be smaller. After pruning, growth is more vigorous and blooms are often larger. Pruning of camellia should be done after blooming and before new growth begins if possible. Pruning may be continues throughout the year in moderation, however, pruning done after June may remove flower buds for the upcoming season.
Good sanitation is important.
Do not lay the tools on the ground since this can spread harmful organisms to the cut surface of the plant. It is a good idea to give the plant a protective spray of a fungicide following pruning to prevent the dieback fungus from entering the wounds. Remove weak twigs that have only one weak terminal bud and no lateral shoot buds. Vigorous shoots will have one to three well-developed terminal leaf buds and lateral ones on the side. As a general rule, cut out branches that tend to grow inward, for they will certainly be shaded out in later years.