Horticulture Magazine

Pieris Japonica

pieris japonica bush in a garden
By CHRIS LEE
Chris Lee, MA - Gardening Writer

Chris is a gardening writer and nature enthusiast. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2022 with an MA in Psychology. Chris works with the Leeds Green Action Society, helping their food cooperative by growing various fruit and vegetables on their two allotments in Hyde Park, Leeds.

/ Updated July 24th, 2023
Reviewed By COLIN SKELLY

Colin is a Horticulturist and Horticultural Consultant with experience in a range of practical and managerial roles across heritage, commercial and public horticulture. He holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Master of Horticulture award and has a particular interest in horticultural ecology and naturalistic planting for habitat and climate resilience.

/ Meets Our Editorial Guidelines

This hardy, evergreen shrub is popular amongst gardeners, thanks to its elegant and colourful blooms.

Pieris japonica draws on soft whites, vibrant pinks, and striking reds to deliver new and exciting colour combinations year-round.

This plant really does have a lot to offer gardeners of all abilities.

Pieris works particularly well as part of a shrub display, or in areas of your garden with a woodland feel.

Pieris japonica (and other Pieris species and cultivars) work well in combination with Camellia, Rhododendron and Azalea, preferring the same acidic soil conditions,” shares Master Horticulturist Colin Skelly.

“Select a brighter spot, at the edge of a wooded area.”

The plant has confidence and poise to work equally well as a part of a group of shrubs, or as a standalone.

We’ve written this guide to tell you everything you need to know about Pieris japonica.

After reading, you’ll be confident in choosing the right variety for your garden, and in helping it to thrive.

Overview

Botanical NamePieris japonica
Common Name(s)Japanese Pieris
Plant TypeShrub
Native AreaJapan
Hardiness RatingH5
FoliageEvergreen, leathery dark green leaves, often different and brightly hued when young
FlowersSmall, white
When To SowFebruary, March, September, October
Flowering MonthsMay, June
When To PruneJune
Sunlight

Preferred
Full Sun or Partial Shade

Exposure
Sheltered

Size

Height
2.5 – 4M

Spread
2.5 – 4M

Bloom Time
May – June

Soil

Preferred
Loam, Sand

Moisture
Moist but well drained

pH
Acidic

This is a type of shrub from the heather family that originally hails from Asia, and the drooping bundles of lantern-shaped flowers that appear in spring definitely evoke the essence of the orient.

Although the floral bloom could be considered short – just two or three weeks – Pieris japonica punches above its weight aesthetically throughout the year.

pieris japonica in full bloom
Japonica makes a beautiful addition to any garden

Although P. japonica is the most common name, you may also hear the plant referred to as Japanese Andromeda, Japanese Pieris, or even Dwarf Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub.

The latter is not to be confused with another Lily-of-the-Valley – Convallaria Majalis – which looks quite different!

Japonica is the most popular of nine species of Pieris – others include P. cubensis, P. floribunda, P. formosa, P. nana, P. phillyreifolia, P. swinhoei, P. koidzumiana and P. amamioshimensis.

This guide covers plants in the Japonica species, but the others also have a lot to offer.

How To Grow Pieris

If one of the varieties in our list has piqued your fancy, you’re probably wondering how best to grow a Pieris japonica in your garden.

Thankfully this is quite a hardy plant – many varieties have a hardiness rating of H5, which means they can handle most of what a typical winter in the UK can throw at them.

With that in mind, it’s still essential to ensure you plant out your japonica in the right soil and light conditions.

Soil Requirements

Pieris forest flame blooms with white flowers and red leaves

All varieties of P. japonica thrive in sandy, loamy soil with some acidity.

For optimal growing conditions, the soil should be well-drained with some residual moisture.

This plant will not tolerate alkaline soil, so grow in a container using ericaceous compost if your garden soil is not acidic.

Where To Plant

Pieris japonica 'Flaming Silver' growing with Bergenia in a heavily gravelled garden border

These plants will do best in full sun or partial shade and will struggle with no sunlight whatsoever.

To give them the best chance at healthy growth, choose a location that is east or west facing to be safe.

Some varieties from our list above can handle facing south, but none should be planted in a north-facing direction.

When To Plant

For the best results, plant your japonica in spring or autumn.

With a Pieris, you can expect red growth around the leaves in February, followed by the most vibrant period of growth in March.

birds eye view of the red and green foliage of Pieris in a circular stone planter; with soil in the background

This gives way to flowers – usually white but not always, as we’ve seen above – in April and May.

As an evergreen, the leaves will stay on year-round.

Planting Out

Work a layer of rich compost into the soil to provide nourishment, then plant your japonica in a hole whose depth matches the extent of the root system.

You should leave about two metres between individual shrubs if you are planting more than one at a time.

Keeping the soil moist will help your japonica to grow at its best.

Pieris shown in winter with frost covered leaves

We also recommend fertilising the plant in winter to ensure it gets all the nutrients it needs over winter.

The fertiliser you use should be tailored to the requirements of plants that prefer acidic soil.

Ongoing Care

One of the reasons P. japonica is so popular amongst gardeners is the minimal care it requires.

If you plant it in the right conditions and keep an eye out for any pests, your shrub will take care of itself.

close view of the foliage of Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’

All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the show!

A small caveat: though they are hardy, if extreme frosts are forecast, you should take steps to keep your plant’s roots warm.

huge Japanese Andromeda bush in a sheltered garden spot

This is as simple as spreading some straw, pine needles, or similar around its base.

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