Japanese andromeda can be planted in the spring or fall.
This is a slow-growing shrub that adds about 1 foot per year in moist soil under sunny conditions.
Some gardeners consider the odor of Japanese andromeda flowers to be a plus, whileothers dislike the smell.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The plant suffers from an additional drawback: it is toxic to humans and as well as pets.
Soil
The ground should be kept evenly moist, but the soil should drain well.
Japanese andromeda does not thrive in soggy soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
Japanese Andromeda has average water needs and does not tolerate drought well.
Water if the first 3 inches of the soil feels dry.
It tolerates a wide variety of humidity levels.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Feed Japanese andromeda with a fertilizer meant foracid-loving shrubs.
For the amount to use, and frequency of system, follow product label instructions.
Types of Japanese Andromeda
Beyond the species plant,cultivarshave been developed that have become quite popular.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
However, cut off dead, dying, or diseased branches, and tidy up the foliage occasionally.
Water the plant immediately afterwards.
Do this in the spring or fall and work some compost into the fresh potting mix.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
How to Get Japanese Andromeda to Bloom
Japanese Andromeda is highly regarded for its blooms.
It is commonly used in foundation plantings, as a spring specimen, and in shrub borders.
This shrub is highly valued by gardeners anxious to have color in the yard as soon as spring arrives.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They most commonly bloom during the month of April.
How Long Does Japanese Andromeda Bloom?
These flowers can last up to three weeks if the plant is cared for properly.
What Do Japanse Andromeda Flowers Look and Smell Like?
These showy flowers have coppery red leaves and inverted urn-shaped flowers that are white and fragrant.
Blooms are each 1/4 inch long.
see to it you have plenty of sunlight.
Deadheading Japanese Andromeda Flowers
Deadheading the spent blooms is a good idea to encourage more flowering.
Leaves Wilting
The wilting of Andromedas leaves is commonly brought on by Phytophthora root rot.
The roots of the plant will eventually become brittle and brown.
To prevent this, do not overwater the plant.
Soggy soil that never dries out is the primary cause of root rot.
Root rot is more than likely the culprit so check the moisture content of your soil.
Roots that are compacted will take longer to dry out and cause the leaves to discolor.
Nutrient deficiency could also result in foliage discoloration so check that you are feeding your plant appropriately.
Branches Dying Back
This could indicate the growth of a fungal disease such as canker.
Avoid periods of drought or low temperatures to prevent the onset of canker disease.
Prune any infected branches as quickly as possible and use a fungicide if necessary.
Japanese andromeda can make an excellent potted plant.
If you want something like Japanese andromeda in a rather shaded area, give mountain andromeda a try.
Yes, deer tend to leave the plant alone.
Guide to Poisonous Plants: Japanese Pieris.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Andromeda japonica.ASPCA.
Andromeda, Japanese (Pieris).
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program.
