Where is the best place to plant Andromeda?
Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica) is a useful broadleaf, evergreen shrub in the same family (Ericaceae) as holly, rhododendron and mountain laurel. It is valued in the landscape for its resilience in conditions common to Northeast gardens and sometimes difficult to fill: light shade and moist, mildly acidic soil. Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’, commonly known as Andromeda, is a striking, broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its cascading white flowers and vivid red new foliage.About the Andromeda A very attractive, broad-leaved evergreen shrub with colorful, blush to dark red new foliage growth. Panicles of dense, showy, lily-of-the-valley like flowers highlight the glossy foliage in spring.Common name: Japanese Andromeda or Lily-of-the-valley Bush. Habitat: Planted in landscaping, rarely escaping or persisting in our area.Pieris japonica, also known as Andromeda Shrub or Lily of the Valley Shrub, is an amazingly low-maintenance, evergreen shrub that provides beautiful flowers early in the spring and colorful foliage year-round. Unfortunately, these shrubs are poisonous to humans and pets.
How do you care for the plant Andromeda?
Light: Full sun or partial shade; protect from afternoon sun. Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; cannot tolerate wet soil. Watering: The key to getting your new shrub or tree off to a good start is moisture. Water thoroughly after planting, and keep a close eye on the plant over the following week. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils.
Why are my Andromeda leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing and browning are most often caused by Phytophthora rot or Black root rot. Compacted roots may cause yellowing and discoloration of the leaves. A lack of soil drainage, nutrient deficiency, and in other cases, lace bugs and mites can also cause yellowing. If you have a plant that has yellow leaves, check the soil in the pot to see if the soil is dry. If you believe that the problem is due to under watering, water the plant more often and consider letting the pot sit on a dish to recollect any water that has overflowed, so that the roots can absorb the extra water.Yellowed leaves on Pieris are often the result of roots damaged by over-watering or soil that doesn’t drain well, leaving them unable to absorb nutrients.
Why is my Japanese Andromeda dying?
Phytophthora Blight This soil-borne disease is caused by any of five Phytophthora water molds that affect Pieris japonica in poorly draining soils. In wet, warm weather, Phytophthora is propelled from soil to leaves by rain or overhead irrigation, killing leaves and twiggy tissue. Special Requirements: Pieris are shallow rooted and do not like being planted too deeply. Plant in a sheltered spot sheltered from cold winds and early morning sun as they flower better in dappled shade.Pieris is a hardy plant, so won’t require winter protection once established. Just take care with young plants, as they can be more susceptible to winter cold. It won’t hurt to cover with a large plastic sheet or horticultural fleece if there is a heavy frost forecast.Pieris requires acid soil which is moist but well-drained, and a sheltered, partially shaded spot. If you don’t have acid soil then choose a compact cultivar and grow it in a container of peat-free ericaceous soil.Fungal leaf spot and other fungal issues are most likely to arise where there is overcrowding, poor airflow and where humid or waterlogged conditions prevail. Brown leaves may also be a sign that the plant has not received enough water, which is more common when growing Pieris in pots.