Japanese pieris

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica 'Red Mill') should be watered around once weekly, depending on the climate. Be sure to check the soil before watering, as it should be kept slightly moist. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, then it's time to water. When watering, use lukewarm to cool water and soak the entire area around the roots of the plant, not just the surface. During hot months, Japanese pieris may need to be watered a bit more often to prevent drying out. When the temperature drops, reduce the frequency of the watering to suit the conditions. In cooler months, check the soil less often and only water when it's dry.

Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica 'Red Mill') is an evergreen shrub that needs to receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimum health. The sun also helps to produce vibrant foliage colors. When grown in too much shade, the foliage may turn a pale green color. For best results, this should be planted in a location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight in the morning, followed by some shade later in the day.

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica 'Red Mill') should be pruned lightly, if needed, in late winter or early spring, targeting unruly and leggy growth. This plant species forms flower buds in spring for the following year, so all pruning should be finished by late winter to avoid removing any flowering potential. Pruning too aggressively or taking too much off at once may cause the plant to go into shock and affect its flowering capability. When pruning, cuts should be made a few inches above a leaf node to avoid stressing the shrub too much.