Why Is My “Pieris Japonica” Half Dying?

Question

I purchased and planted a Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica “Valley Rose”) on May 1, 2020. About 6 weeks ago I noticed that a few stems (branches) had died completely, but the rest of the bush looked great. I have a water meter, and made sure it was watered, used need oil spray, and removed the dead stems. Still some (stems) are dying, completely…..but not the plant. Ironically, these bushes are planted next to a pieris “Mountain Fire” which has not been affected. But all my “Ostrich” ferns showed the same problem; dead stems.

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Answer 1

This looks to be an infection from just a little too much moisture. Make sure your moisture meter reads between moist and dry, and not wet, between watering. It needs to dry out a little, but not dry out all of the way. Overwatering will cause fungal infections very quickly, and suffocate roots.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/japanese-andromeda/grow-japanese-andromeda.htm

Sometimes, alkaline soil can cause issues, but if you have another nearby- This is probably not the case.