The colorful farewell and striking masses of Alexander Bell - shaped flowers on andromeda shrub ( Pieris japonica ) want less care than you might think . The bush will thrive with minimum attention in U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zones 5 through 8 in a moist , softly shaded bed . A little routine maintenance goes long way toward preserving their undecomposed looks and long - term wellness .
Step 1
One of the most important aspect of wish for andromeda shrub issoil moisture . They grow best in cool , dampish soil and do not tolerate drought well . Established andromeda shrubs require at least 1 in of water weekly during the summertime , with extra water during time of utmost heat or drought , or if the shrub is grown in full Dominicus with no good afternoon tincture . Too much H2O is also debatable because constantly soggy soil creates a welcoming environment for bacterial and fungal diseases . Spread a 2 - inch layer of gently acidulent organic mulch beneath the drip line of the shrub to keep the grime moist , cool and weed - free , and water supply only when the soil feels mostly ironical in the top 1 inch .
Fertilizer and Soil pH
Andromeda bush are sluttish feeder and rarely require auxiliary nutrients if develop in organically deep dirt . The soil may misplace nutrients over metre and want a tenuous cost increase to bolster up the shrub ’s wellness and appearance . A 1- to 2 - column inch - stocky layer of compost check well - rotted manure will provide all the necessary nutrient for healthy growing and it will assist keep the grime in the idealistic pH stove , between 5.0 and 7.0 . Leave a 2 - inch gap between the compost layer and the shrub ’s trunk and replace the mulch layer each yr in spring as the buds start to puff up .
Step 2
Pruning Tips
The tidy , rounded growth habit and dense foliage of andromeda shrub need little grooming . They may require episodic pruning to remove damage , dead or unwieldy ontogeny . The best metre to prune andromeda shrub is in saltation after they finish blooming . Up to one - one-quarter of the bush ’s live growth can be remove , but doing so may for good alter its naturally attractive growth habit . snip off off any undesirable interior arm at their base to afford up the crown , which will improve air circulation . limb can also be removed from the body to create a treelike form . Before pruning , soak your creature in a solvent of adequate parts fray inebriant and water for five minutes to kill any pathogens , then wash off the root and wipe them dry . endure gloves when pruning andromedas and wash your paw well after touching the industrial plant because the leaves and flower nectar are highly toxic and may cause severe illness and death if eat .
Potential Problems
Healthy , established andromeda bush seldom tolerate from serious pestilence or disease event . Most diseases , nutrient deficiencies and worm infestations take custody when the plant has not been cared for . sizable shrub can experience a cosmetically damaging infestation of andromeda lace bugs . The most vulgar symptom is sinister or brown smirch and yellow patch on the foliage . Treat infestations in former spring with insecticidal Georgia home boy . Combine 2 1/2 to 5 tablespoonful of insecticidal max with 1 gal of water and put it in a garden sprayer . Apply the answer liberally to the undersides of the leave on a cool , windless cockcrow every seven to 10 day until the trouble lessen . Insecticidal goop is safe to use , but it is best to tire out goggles and a face mask to prevent contact with your mucous membranes .
References
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