Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Pieris 'forest flame' - unhappy!

medomagemedomage Posts: 22
edited April 2022 in Problem solving
I've had this for a while, in full sun/partial shade. It's been unhappy the last two years - most of the the 'red flames' are shrivelled. The leaves also have blacks on them. No sign of insects. Is this a disease, or just poor placement? Should I take it all the way down to the base? Thanks

Posts

  • medomagemedomage Posts: 22

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Just wondering if your soil is acidic?  That's what they like.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    the shriveled bits are probably frost damaged
    Devon.
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328
    I'd guess the shrivelling of the red shoots is a result of frost.
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/pieris-lacebug
    might give a clue to the mottling of the leaves, and what to do about it.
    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • SendmesunSendmesun Posts: 63
    edited April 2022
    Worth trying an ericaceous feed perhaps. I've used the slow release ericaceous fertiliser to nurse my mini one back to health. Have also used sulphate of iron for a boost in the past. How big is it and did it flower this year? I've been watering shrubs it's been so dry even here in Scotland.

    Editted I think Lirio has the answer though 😊
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    Half the new shoots on my pieris shrivelled up and went black with the frost last month. 
  • SendmesunSendmesun Posts: 63
    Ergates said:
    Half the new shoots on my pieris shrivelled up and went black with the frost last month. 
    Interesting! I've never seen that here ours must be used to it 😀
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Where are you growing it @medomage ?
    They like some shade, enough moisture and good airflow. That spotting looks as if it's struggling for the last factor, and it looks like there's a lot of planting around it.
    They can cope with sun if they're happy at their feet.
    Neutral soil is fine, as long as it isn't at the alkaline end of neutral.
    Don't feed shrubs, or any plants, which are struggling. Feeding the soil is always the best solution.

    @Sendmesun - I firmly believe plants adapt to their location. Many shrubs have flowered earlier here this year, due to the non winter, but they haven't been badly affected by the frosts at all. My neighbour's Pieris is looking better than ever, and all the Skimmias are laden with flowers, which is quite unusual - they don't always flower that well here due to bad weather just at flowering time, and I've never noticed their scent before because of that, but it's been stunning. Many Magnolias have been early, and have had very little frost damage.   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.