Shi Shi struggling

I’d start by asking how is the drainage in that bed, where the 3 shi shis and the 1 in particular in the photo, show stress?. The others look pretty healthy. Camellia’s don’t like “wet feet” and root rot could be an issue. If root rot, in my experience best to dig them and replace them.

When you planted them were the top of the root balls elevated slightly above the grade of the bed? If the top of the root ball is below grade then that can be an issue.

Check underneath the leaves, see any evidence of insects like scale or aphids?

You may have some fungal issues in a few of those plants exacerbated by their poor heath from other issues.

I have about a dozen shi shi’s and have few issues with them. About the only issue I’ve had was scale insects a couple years ago and treatment with imidachloprid fixed that.

Linked is a nice publication from Clemson that might be of some help. Camellia Diseases & Insect Pests

I use them extensively in my landscape. They are my favorite shrub. Never had any problems. Very little disease and pest worries. I guess that's why I'm confused. It almost looks like something is "spreading" to the next two plants.

Everything was planted correctly. I'm experienced with all of that. The area near the struggling Shi Shi can hold a little water in heavy rain, but it doesn't stay.

I lost a sunshine Ligustrum right next to this Shi Shi late last year. They are pretty hardy. Maybe it is a little wet feet there or some type of root fungi causing problems.

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I lost a sunshine Ligustrum right next to this Shi Shi late last year.

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That’s a good indication that something occurring in the bed at location, I’d speculate it likely holds too much moisture and you dealing with root rot - just a wild asse guess though.

Apply a systemic insecticide with the active ingredient of Imidicloprid. You have tea scale a very common pest of camellias. You should see a nice flush of new growth in a few weeks.