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Pieris japonica

Image of Pieris japonica

Felder Rushing

Family

Ericaceae

Botanical Name

Pieris japonica

Plant Common Name

Japanese Pieris, Lily-of-the-Valley Bush

General Description

An elegant and hardy broadleaf evergreen that offers something for every season, this East Asian native slowly forms an upright medium-sized shrub. The handsome glossy-green laurel-like leaves are often bronze, pink, or red upon emergence. Drooping chains of greenish-white, pink, or red buds open to white or pink urn-shaped flowers in late winter or early spring. The flower clusters resemble those of lily of the valley. Plants often develop a picturesque open habit and attractive peeling bark as they age. Numerous cultivars of Japanese pieris have been selected for growth habit and for bud, flower, and leaf color. Popular cultivars include the pink flowering 'Valley Rose' and 'Valley Valentine'. Pieris japonica has also parented many outstanding hybrids with other Pieris species.

With its interesting branching habit, attractive foliage, unique showy blooms and resistance to deer, Japanese pieris is an excellent addition to partially shaded areas of the garden. Preferring moist, acidic, well-drained soil, it works well in a border, as a specimen, or for informal screening and hedging. Toward the margins of its hardiness range it requires protection from harsh conditions such as wind, drought, and severe heat or cold.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    1'-12' / 0.3m - 3.7m (10)

  • Width

    1'-12' / 0.3m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Red, Light Pink, Hot Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Green, Dark Green, Pink, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No