It’s in a large pot since 2012.
It could be sooty mold. Inspect your plant for insects. The insects secrete honeydew which causes the sooty mold.
Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
I'm in Glasgow, is it too cold ? Have I planted it too early ? It's warm during the day but cool at night. It's a south facing garden.
I don't think it's too cold but is the soil entirely compost and nothing else? You might side dress with a little topsoil. It may have had too much water and some transplant shock. Pluck away the dead blossoms and clean up around the plant, and see if the warmer weather doesn't make it perk up a bit.
Here's an article to check on your growing conditions:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
I've had a pieris forest flame in a pot on my patio for the last 4 years and it's always been healthy until this year. The new growth dies before it matures and the existing leaves have developed brown tips. I've tried removing the brown tipped leaves but the problem persists. Do you know what this could be? Images attached.
Has it been repotted in all that time? If not, it is probably rootbound and in need of fresh potting soil and perhaps a larger container, one size up. Constricted roots have a hard time taking up water.
A long established Pieris in a south facing garden
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to assess the situation.
I'm wondering about it being in a South facing position. They do not tolerate full sun. They are meant for partial shade to full shade. It could be that the shrub is getting too much sun, and has become weak over time. This can leave it open to infections.
If you can provide more shade, then this can help.
If the plant is in sufficient shade, already, then a soil infection could be likely.
This article will give you more information on the care of the shrub:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
In a number of places the deer also ate the dangling stems along with the buds. From what I’ve read, I do not think they will generate new buds this spring, but hopefully in fall they will. Does the loss of the buds & bracts jeopardize the life of the plant itself? They have been the pride of my garden!
Likely, it will not flower this spring. It will not kill the plant, however.
These articles will help you with your deer issue:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer
This article will help you with the care of your shrub:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
I have a Japanese Pieris Insterstella. What should my moisture meter read and at what depth? I grow in 12x12 container.
That isn't a very big container unless your Pieris is very young. The soil needs to be kept moist but it must be well drained. If using a moisture meter, water when the meter's gauge is right between moist and dry. You don't want to keep it saturated, but you don't want to let it dry out, either.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
I replanted my japenese pieris from pot to ground unknowing it needs eracacious soil. It is slowly dying. Can i replace ground soil with eracacious. Will that help it on its way or should I repot it into a larger pot with eracacious soil? Many thanks in advance
I think that container life would be better suited for these plants, however, if you decide to keep them in the same spot then amendment will be necessary. Here are some articles that will help with their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda