Help with my pieris

Hi,

I have a plant in my garden which is some kind of pieris, but I'm not sure which it is, or how to look after it. It's gotten quite tall and woody, and isn't very bushy. Also, some of the leaves have gone brown/fallen off. Is this normal....sorry I'm VERY new to gardening and any help would be appreciated!

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Re: Help with my pieris

Reply from Ronnie

I have had to grow mine in a large pot with ericacious soil. Once in a while I give it a watering using Sequestian. Hope that helps. Also I don't have it in full sun all day. It has full sun until early afternoon (2ish height of summer) and then is in the shade until the evening sun, after 6.

Re: Re: Help with my pieris

Reply from Lynette

Mine has been in the garden since I moved in nearly four years ago, and has always been in full sun - but it's looking decidedly less healthy this year? Will pruning help thicken it back out?

Re: Re: Re: Help with my pieris

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Lynette,
Pieris typically require very little pruning. On yours, however, you might want to cut back the really tall, leggy bit in the centre. This might encourage bushiness. At the same time, feed with an ericaceous fertilizer. Do this as often as recommended on the packet. It looks like your soil is too alkaline.
Kathy C

Re: Re: Re: Re: Help with my pieris

Reply from Lynette

Thanks Kathy! Is it ok to cut back now, or is it better at a different time of year? Sorry - I'm a complete novice!