pruning

[Lesley]

How do i cut back my forest flame pieris. It is lovely and bright red at the moment but is getting very woody and sprockey. I would like to shape it so it is smaller and fuller looking. Thanks

[gardening_guru]

Hello Lesley,

I would wait until those young leaves have changed colour and prune then when you won't miss the stunning red foliage. Remove any branches that are obviously leafless or dead, any branches that are crossing. Then stand back and select branches that could be removed to improve the shape. Normally Pieris 'Forest Flame' do not require any pruning, but I see nothing wrong with removing a few branches (I would suggest a maximum of 10% in any one year) to improve the shape.
Also, is it growing in a pot or the open soil? Does it need re-potting to improve it's vigour?

[Lesley]

Thank you for your advice. I will cut the pieris back when the the lovely red leaves have changed colour. It is not in a pot, it is in the centre of the garden but I just felt it was getting a bit sprocky. Thanks again. Lesley