ordinarily known as Nipponese pieris , Japanese andromeda or lily - of - the - valley shrub , pieris japonica is a slow - growing , elegant , evergreen plant shrub hardy to zones 4 through 7 . Characterized by 2- to 4 - inch evergreen plant leaves that emerge bright red , pieris is prise for its pendulous whitened flowers . clustering of bud form in late summer and stay through wintertime . After the early spring blossom disappearance , decorative seed pod persist until fresh bud form . Pieris japonica has special develop want , the lack of which can lead to problems .

Cultural Problems

Pieris japonica demand acidic , moist but well - drain land and protection from coarse winds and sunlight . High pH soils that miss organic material inhibit plant life growth and cause the foliage to yellow . Extended time period of direct sunshine on a daily basis burn off the leafage boundary and ask over dirt ball pests that feed on them . Poorly - drain soils and over - watering prevent air exchange by the origin and cause fungal problems .

Diseases

The fungous disease Phytophthora attacks numerous water - logged garden bush . According to a Washington State University publication , plants with this fungus " appear unhealthy , with wilt or color leaves that may be stunted or throw untimely . The fungus assail the roots and progress to the crest , finally killing the works . " Plant the bush crown more or less above ground point and amend hapless soils with plenty of constitutional matter . leafage blot diseases are also known to attack pieris , causing reddish - chocolate-brown numb patch with gray centre . The fungus spreads by moving water , so avoid overhead irrigation when potential . Apply approved fungicides in severe case per label instructions .

Insect Problems

Japanese genus Pieris is a companion shrub to azaleas and is susceptible to similar insect infestation . lacing bug suck juice from the undersides of leaves , causing the leaf height to come along speckled and lacy . They are usually under control outside of dry , sunny expanse . Spray insecticidal soaps or sanction insecticides on the undersides of leaves to control large populations . In Northern areas , the black vine weevil is be intimate to aggress pieris . Keep mulch and dead leaves by from the base of the shrub , where the bug live and lay eggs . Adults creep up the plant life and chew the edges of leaves at dark . The larvae provender on etymon and bark at the top of the plant , eventually killing the shrub . Pick adult bugs from the plant life at night while they feed , and apply insecticidal drenches or sprays per recording label book of instructions at twilight .

References

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