Pieris Japonica variegata

Question

My beautiful plant was stuck under next door’s very large, shady tree which while I wasn’t checking. The pieris has two thirds reverted to all green leaves. My neighbor has now heavily cut back his tree (nothing to do with me), thus letting a lot more light on to that corner of the garden. Is it possible to cut off all the new completely green growth in the hopes that the variegation will take over again now that the plant is much better lit or will I kill the plant? If I cut it back, when is the best time to do it?
The pieris is in well protected corner of my garden facing north east and is about 20 years old.

Answer 1

Most plants will only revert on a particular stem, branch or other area. You can cut these off (any time) to try to prevent the entire plant from reverting. If that doesn’t work, you may need to simply learn to enjoy your healthy, beautiful green plant.