Pieris Japonica

A small to medium evergreen shrub Pieris japonica range from around 1.5m - 3m in height. Slow growing and preferring dappled shade it is also known as 'Lily of the Valley Tree' (see picture right).

A Japanese native shrub with low growing varieties such as Pieris japonica pygmaea and Pieris japonica william buchanen through to taller varieties up to 3m.

With deep green leaves, and reddish copper new growth they make a good specimen plant or even a border. The small and waxy flowers from white to deep pink hang in delightful tassels in late winter early spring.

Pieris Japonica varieties

Variegated forms such as Pieris japonica variegata , and Pieris japonica 'Christmas Cheer' add extra interest. Pieris japonica valley fire with white flower heads orange-red -pink new growth changing to cream then green is a vigorous form that produces a great show of flowers. All pieris prefer a well mulched soil and partial shade. Pieris are sometimes called lily of the valley tree or shrub.

Growing conditions and care

Growing well in similar conditions to rhododendrons and azaleas, look for a position with moist slightly acidic soil part shade and with protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Pieris japonica requires little to no pruning other than to remove any dead or damaged wood, or maybe a little tidy up. Pieris Formosa and Pieris ryukensis are other piers species available as garden plants in Australia.