I want to remove the Japanese Pieris from my yard. My question is regarding the root system. Do the roots grow deep into the ground, or are they shallow, and how wide do they spread? The bush has been there for a very long time. At the base of it, the trunk is probably 3-5" in diameter. Can I dig it out or does it have to be pulled out?
Japanese Pieris produces a shallow, fibrous root system, so it shouldn't be too hard to remove. Digging it out will probably be the easiest. If you can get under the roots from one side with a shovel, you can probably get the rest out without too much trouble.
The plant gets morning shade and afternoon sun
Can you include photos? This can have several causes. Sometimes a lack of magnesium, phosphorus, or potassium can cause these symptoms. Also, a general lack of light to these areas can also cause this.
This article will help you to care for these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
The plant gets morning shade and afternoon sun
I believe I have answered this as a duplicate on the original question.
Some of the leaves on the bush are yellow and fall off when touched gently. We are now in the first week in April and we have had a very wet 2 months of winter and spring weather. The soil is neutral but I do feed with acid fertilizer and incorporate compost - am I doing enough ? Does the plant need to be moved to a pot with eracacious soil ?
Yellowing leaves could indicate watering issues, disease, pests or nutrient deficiencies.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
What is causing them to dry up before opening in the spring? The plant was covered with buds last fall before all turning brown.
There are a few things that could be the issue here.
They need yearly fertilization. Lacking in phosphorus and potassium can cause a problem with flowering. They also need acidic soil, so make sure that you are feeding them with and acid lovers blend. Calcium and magnesium can be lacking in acidic soil, so supplementing a little bit can help has well.
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
I have a healthy pieris which was sold as Pieris Katsura. It has plenty of new growth but since I have had it the new growth is mainly plain green. Only 1 or 2 of the new shoots had a hint of deep red. Can anyone tell me why this might be? Are there varieties with green new growth? Thanks!
Thanks so much for your advice. I'm sorry I should have been clearer with my question, the new growth is green right from the moment it begins to grow and never has any red colour. Does this change your answer?
Leaf colors last for 2-3 weeks and then turn green as they mature.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils.
I'm not a keen gardener but I've tried to keep it well watered and put fresh compost on it every year. Any ideas as to what needs to be done would be greatly appreciated.
It probably has a fungal infection, but it also might have been caused by the soil pH. They prefer acidic soil, and will benefit from a feeding with acid-lovers fertilizers.
Applying 1/4 cup of DOLOMITIC LIME, and a tablespoon of WETTABLE SULFUR will take care of the fungal issue, as well as help to adjust the pH.
This article will help you to care for the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm