Pieris japonica

Pieris japonica

 

 

Common name: Japanese pieris, lily of the valley shrub

Family: Ericaceae

Leaf: spirally arranged on stem, serrulate, oblanceolate to obovate-oblong leaves, up to 3.5" long, glossy dark green, evergreen

Flowers: racemes (up to 6" long) of white, small, fleshy campanulate (ericaceous) flowers, in early spring. The buds are an attractive pinky-red.

Fruit: capsules

Height: 9-12'; Spread: 6-8'

Habit: Dense, upright, evergreen shrub; Form: gently-tiered mounded

Culture: Best in part shade in medium moisture in slightly acidic soil. Does not like to dry out or have wet feet. If soils are too wet- it can get Phytophthora. Andromeda lacebug is also a common pest. If you find lacebug to be a problem, pieris can be coppiced and will grow back after a few years. Hardy to USDA zones 5-8. Grows best in areas that are protected from the wind and have some afternoon shade.

Pieris Formosa has a larger inflorescence and does not get the lacebug.

Uses: Best when planted with other plants that have the same soil needs- like rhododendrons for example. Great as a shrub border, en mass, in groupings or as a solo specimen.

Origin: Japan, Taiwan, Eastern China