Pieris look good planted with other acid loving shrubs such as Rhododendrons and Camellia to create a low maintenance shrub border. Pieris do not require routine pruning. The shrub can be pruned if needed to tidy up any spindly branches or spent flowers. Pruning should be done in late spring after flowering.
Does Pieris japonica like sun or shade?
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade . Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. It is is intolerant of wet soils and need protection from winter winds. Problems: Leaf spot, dieback, nematodes, and lace bug are major problems.
How do you take care of Japanese pieris?
Water the shrub often enough to keep the soil lightly moist at all times. Water slowly, allowing the soil to soak up as much moisture as possible. Fertilize in winter and early summer with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, using the amount recommended on the package.
Why is my Japanese pieris dying?
Nutrient deficiencies and root disease commonly occur on soils that are alkaline and poorly drained. There are a number of pests that damage pieris. ... Phytophthora root rot is the most destructive disease affecting this plant group causing the wilting and death of the plant.
How do you prune Japanese pieris?
- Prune your Japanese pieris immediately after the blossoms fade, generally around April. ...
- Deadhead the Japanese pieris during its bloom time, generally February through April, by pruning off each blossom cluster as it fades. ...
- Trim off dead and broken branches at any time of the year.
Is Pieris poisonous to humans?
The plant is poisonous if consumed by people or animals . The toxicity is a result of the grayanotoxins contained by the flowers and leaves. If flowers and leaves are ingested by humans, symptoms may include salivation, headaches, vomiting, cardiac failure, and death.
Why are the leaves on my Pieris going yellow?
Usually, the leaves will be yellow if there is lime in the soil or compost . You can use Hydrangea Colourant (Vitax) or Sequestered Iron (Doff) to keep the leaf colour. This treatment will need to be repeated every year. Avoid watering the plant with tap water.
What can I feed my Pieris?
Feed with an ericaceous fertiliser , which also feeds rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, in spring. Yellowing of the foliage is an indicator that it is lacking nutrients.
Is Pieris poisonous to dogs?
The leaves, stems and flowers are all toxic to many species , but it is usually grazing pets such as goats and alpacas that are able to gain access to the plant. If you have this plant in your garden, keep it safe from curious visitors, and make sure any clippings aren't discarded where animals can gain access to them.
Can Pieris grow in pots?
If you don't have acidic soil, you can grow Pieris Japonica in pots using ericaceous compost . Or you can plant them in the ground making sure you fill a hole around the plant with ericaceous compost and feed regularly with a feed for acid loving plants.
What is killing my Pieris?
Lace bugs are the most common pest of Pieris japonica. They live on the bottom side of the plant's leaves, sucking the sap and nutrients from the plant. Damage to the leaves from lace bugs shows as mottled yellow foliage. Lace bugs are visible as small, 1/8-inch-long black insects.
Why is my Pieris plant drooping?
They can droop due to many reasons, including over-feeding, causing branches to be weak and unable to support their weight . The shrub may have developed this habit due to heavy shade and it's trying to reach the light. If the leaves are not drooping, it's a good sign though.
Should I Feed Pieris?
If you are growing your Pieris in a container it should be fed with a suitable fertiliser just as often and toped with ericaceous compost .
How fast does a Japanese Pieris grow?
Pieris japonica ‘Katsura' reaches 3 by 3 feet in five years . At maturity, it can be between 6 to 9 feet with a spread of 6 feet.
Do Pieris lose their leaves?
The foliage develops a coarse pale mottling on the upper surface and by late summer the leaves can have a bleached whitish yellow appearance. Heavy attacks may cause leaf drop on Pieris .
How do you rejuvenate Pieris japonica?
Cutting back overgrown Pieris
When the Pieris has become overgrown, taking more space than it should, you can use hard pruning to rejuvenate it entirely or you can just cut it back to the shape you want. Such pruning, either way, is best left to the end of springtime after flowering.
