Reviving an elderly Peiris

Novice23

I have an elderly but much loved Peiris, which is probably about 18 years old.  It is in a v.large pot and each spring I feel and top dress it, removing about 2 - 3 inches of soil and replacing it with new ericaceous compost.   However this year is has lost lots of leaves, those left have gone blotchy and drooping.  Although it has some good flower spikes, it looks decidedly sorry for itself.  I have watered it and feel it with epsom salts, but wonder if I can do anything else.   It was potted on last summer, so is not rotbound.   Any help would be welcome as I do not want to lose it.

pansyface

I don't know anything about pruning pieris plants but your spelling gave me a nasty turn. Should have gone to Specsavers. Someone will be along soon to help.

Daisyday

I before E except after P is fine by me as spelling is not important on this friendly site!

Maybe Pieris grows too old to regenerate as many plants do. Would replacing it with a new specimen be too painful for you? You have done very well to keep it so long, especially as it is in a pot. 

Novice23

Sorry about the spelling everyone.  You should have seen my attempts at ericaceous!!!

Thanks Verdun, I will try sequestered iron, and regular feeing.  

I may have to replace it eventually, but according to OM I keep plants way beyond their useful life, and this has been with me a long time...

Thanks for all the help.

 

 

at aporry 

pansyface

Sorry, the rules of spelling aren't of much concern to me but I read it as "Reviving an elderly penis" - hence the 

Fairygirl

You can prune them but it sounds like it's a bit past it's sell by date so it may not recover.  If they're in good soil and healthy you cna hack them quite successfully. I've done it in the past.

pansyface - I wouldn't know anything about that but Jerry Hall might.... 

pansyface

Poor woman.

Fairygirl

Her choice though pansyface 

B3