Can I cut back to about 12 inches a forest flame pieris shrub?
They do not like hard pruning. I would cut it back to 24 inches. That will be enough to encourage it to make new growth lower down, whilst still allowing growth on part that does have leaves on it. If it does bud up lower down, it may take a year or two for it to produce new lower branches. Try top dressing it with a mulch for acid loving plants as it needs that type of soil. Also always remove the flowers after they have finished, and prune back the foliage lightly once it turns green, as this will encourage more pink leaves.
