Care of your "Mountain Fire" Pieris japonica plant by placing it in a good location, keeping the soil moist, mulching and fertilizing the plant, keeping the plant groomed and treating pest infestations. You need water, mulch, fertilizer, pruning shears, neem oil and insecticidal soap.
- Place it in a good location
Place the "Mountain Fire" Pieris japonica plant in a location where it receives partial or full sunlight. Use soil that is slightly acidic and moist.
- Water the plant
Water this plant frequently, at least once a week. Poke your finger in the soil, and make sure the first 3 inches of dirt are moist. Do not let the soil dry out, but avoid overwatering the plant.
- Mulch the plant
Apply a thick layer of mulch that is 2 to 3 inches deep. Pine needles are a good mulch for this plant. Layer the mulch around the base of the plant. This helps the soil to remain moist.
- Fertilize the plant
Use a granulated even-ratio fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 fertilizer or cottonseed meal. You need 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil. Fertilize the plant in the winter and again in the spring after the plant flowers. After adding the fertilizer, water the plant well.
- Groom the plant
Remove any faded or dead flowers. Prune back damaged and diseased limbs.
- Treat pest infestations
Treat the plant once a week with neem oil or insecticidal soap in order to get rid of lace bugs.