Can I prune

Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Hi, I have a Pieris Forest Flame about 5 years old grown in a half barrel, I used ericaseous compost along with home made compost and leaf mould, I have fed it when in flower with ericaseous plant food. In the past year it has grown very leggy and doesn't look happy at all. I am planning on moving into open ground and pruning back, if I do, do you think it will respond and grow back or am I best to discard altogether and replace.

6 May, 2008

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Answers

Celandine

Hi Holly
Is it in the shade or near to other trees? I think it would be better in the ground. I have one which is about 15 years old and it's more like a small tree. It grows very fast after pruning so that's no problem. good luck with it!

6 May, 2008

Andrewr

Pieris should respond well to pruning which should be done in the spring so now would be a good time to do it. I would also give it a feed and mulch and make sure it doesn't suffer from drought if we have a dry summer

6 May, 2008

Holly

Thankyou for your answers. I will move it this weekend, I know if I prune now it will lose the lovely new red growth but if it responds it will be worth it. Thanks again.

7 May, 2008

How do I say thanks?

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