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Pieris Forest Flame

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  • Pieris Forest Flame

    What should I do?

    I have a Pieris Forest Flame planted in a large pot that has been moved to 6 different houses that I have moved to. It is 19 years old and a beautiful plant with shiney lush leaves and red tips followed by white lily like flowers. It has coped well through all the moves over the years but it now may be the time to disturb it.

    This year it has had a bigger growth spurt than usual and has produced a very fine display. But!, the lower branches are very old and are struggling to hold up the very heavy top growth. I am very careful when watering but if it rains it often gets a battering and struggles rather, although it does recover. It really is top heavy and I am not sure how much longer the old trunk and branches will hold the weight.

    Do you think it could take a pruning? I have never pruned before as each year it grows on from the previous years growth. I was going to try some cuttings but these would only provide small plants if they take.

    I could try planting in the garden but my soil is neutral/alkaline and I would need to smash the pot to get it out and then create the correct soil conditions. I am not sure if it could take the shock of change.

    I will try to post a picture tomorrow but What do you think would be best to do?
    BumbleB

    I have raked the soil and planted the seeds
    Now I've joined the army that fights the weeds.

  • #2
    When I moved house there were loads of pot plants left behind in quite bad condition. I cut them all right back to a main stem to see what happened. If they died I got rid of them, if they lived they grew back very well. Forest flame is one of those that grew back very well - so it would probably take a good pruning back. I did all thge cutting back in October/November time.

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    • #3
      I've pruned Pieris back during the winter and they seem to be even better afterwards!

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      • #4
        Thanks for the replies. I pruned this back 2 weeks ago. Just the very top part that was leaning over and too heavy for the plant to hold up. It seems to have recovered ok. I will try a little harder cut back next year. It really is a super specimen.
        BumbleB

        I have raked the soil and planted the seeds
        Now I've joined the army that fights the weeds.

        Comment


        • #5
          Pieris Forest Flame really is a super plant BumbleB.
          It deserves better than a pot and really needs a good home.
          Look at your garden, decide where you would like your Forest Flame, dig a big hole, fill it with peat, smash that pot and plant the Forest Flame in it. You will be richly rewarded.

          From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

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