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Sick pieris bushes #876215

Asked July 07, 2024, 4:44 PM EDT

We planted these daphne pieris bushes in early April. They were doing well with plenty of new growth until recently. In the last few weeks they developed brown spots on the leaves. We have 6 in total with all having some damaged leaves but the ones closest to our garage are the most spotted. We put these in to replace 6 Cherry Laurels that developed pernicious scale. I am hoping to save these. Can you Help please? Thank you!

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, Jennifer,

Pieris japonica shrub, sometimes known as Japanese Andromeda, is a plant that likes an organically rich acidic soil and a part shade placement best. This looks like scorch from abiotic stress, e.g.  the light exposure from full sun most of the day. Against  brick, especially if in sun, they will likely need watering if there is not at least an inch of rain per week.

Pieris likes soil that is slightly acidic (ph 5.0-6.0). A soil acidifier like Holly-tone can be used for acid-loving plants. Having a laboratory soil test done before applying any nutrients or soil acidifier would help in determining if this is needed. Click here to see our fact sheet on fertilizing trees and shrubs.

Pieris is not a good replacement for cherry laurel in terms of tolerances to soil type, foundation locations, and  trimming into a hedge. Pieris, like azaleas, grows best in woodland
conditions

Thank you for your question.

Barbara







Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC website and our blog, Maryland Grows. Replied July 08, 2024, 3:49 PM EDT

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