| Hello, What's the proper way to prune a Pierius ? Mine are getting leggy with new growth. Do I cut off the new growth ? Thanks, Janis |
| Spring is the best time to prune pieris. If flowering isn't important to you, you can prune in early spring. If the flowers are important, wait until they have finished flowering and then do your pruning. It's too late in the season to prune now. If you do, any new growth that develops won't have time to harden off before winter weather sets in. It will die as a result and you'll have to prune again in the spring. So I'd suggest waiting until spring to prune. Pieris can get leggy and the best way to keep that from happening is to prune the shrubs back a little each year to force new growth at the base of the plant. You can prune the plants back by one third next spring. You can also reach down into the plant and completely remove some of the bare stems, all the way down to ground level. New stems will appear wherever you make a pruning cut and new leaves on these new stems will keep your pieris looking full and lush. Best wishes with your landscape! |
