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Poorly Pieris

doctor_jools91745doctor_jools91745 Posts: 4
in Problem solving
I planted this about 4 years ago. It started off fairly well but it now looks like this:



I've been applying iron sulphate to keep the soil acidic and it's in a fairly sunny position. I'm on Oxford, where the soil is quite heavy. I think the red spots are a fungus, indicative that the plant's not doing well.

Any suggestions for what I'm doing wrong would be gratefully received. Thanks.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can't change the pH of soil in a border, so if the soil's too alkaline for it, it won't be happy.
    They don't need very acidic soil anyway, but they do need adequate drainage, so it's more likely that the heavy soil is the problem. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I agree it's more likely the texture of the soil rather than the pH. I'd be tempted to lift it then dig in some well rotted manure then replant

    You can get an idea of your soil type and acid/alkaline here-
    https://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/

    for my postcode I get


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • doctor_jools91745doctor_jools91745 Posts: 4
    Mine says this, which isn't at all what I expected:

    Soilscape 5:
    Freely draining lime-rich loamy soils
    Texture:
    Loamy
    Coverage:
    England: 3.7%,Wales: 0.0%,England & Wales:3.2%
    Drainage:
    Freely draining
    Fertility:
    Lime-rich

    But thanks for the pointer.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited October 2023
    It's never going to be happy in the ground then.
    They can work well in a pot using ericaceous compost and an azalea feed now and then.

    My soil is only slightly acidic but there are lots of rhododendrons/azaleas/acers and Pieris thriving in gardens locally

    The red spots are likely a nutrient deficiency. It's unable to take up nutrients it needs due to the alkalinity of your soil.
    They'll go if it's in a pot as above.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're also better with a bit of shade, but fine in sunny sites with the right soil. 
    If the soil's alkaline, it simply won't thrive. 
    They don't need particularly acidic soil as I said earlier, but alkaline is no use for them and it's why it's struggling so badly. 
    If you decide to keep it potted, a soil based medium is needed. You can add some compost, but anything potted needs a soil based medium or it won't manage long term. Otherwise, it's better to have plants that suit your soil.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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