Pieris
( PEER - iss )
At-A-Glance Information
This genus of evergreen shrubs, commonly called Andromeda, Lily-Of-The-Valley Bush or Fetterbush, needs filtered sunlight or partial shade and regular water. Take care when planting these shrubs in your yard, as both the leaves and nectar are poisonous if ingested. These plants provide a handsome background of foliage year-round, and produce flowers in small clusters (typically in white). Buds in early winter look almost like strings of tiny beads in pink, green, red, or white and open to reveal their blooms in midwinter through springtime. New growth is commonly brightly-colored, maturing to dark green. These plants are wonderful in containers, in woodland plantings, and in Japanese-style gardens.
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Pieris Species and Varietals
The genus Pieris is a member of the plant family Ericaceae and includes seven species. The genus name is derived from Pieris, a location in Greece home to the mythological character Muses. The best growing zones for Pieris vary depending on the species. For more information, refer to the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Pieris floribunda (Andromeda floribunda) (Mountain Pieris) This species grows well in zones 2-9 and 14-17; it is native to the southeastern United States. These shrubs reach 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with pale green new growth that mature to a dull darker green. Flowers are held in upright clusters. This species is cold-hardy, and can tolerate heat, sun, low humidity better than other species. |
Pieris formosa forrestii (Pieris forrestii) (Chinese Pieris) This species is native to China and grows well in zones 8, 9 and 14-17. Dense habit to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide, with new growth in scarlet to salmon, maturing to green. Flower clusters are large and drooping. Great planted as an espalier in a shady area of the garden. |
Pieris japonica (Lily-Of-The-Valley Shrub, Japanese Andromeda)
This species is native to Japan and grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-17. It has an upright habit, reaching 9-10 feet tall and just as wide. New foliage is bronze-pink-red and matures to glossy green. Flower clusters are drooping, and come in white, pink, or red blooming from red buds. There are many commonly grown varieties of this species, listed below. Those listed after 'Variegata' are grown principally for their flowers.
This species is native to Japan and grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-17. It has an upright habit, reaching 9-10 feet tall and just as wide. New foliage is bronze-pink-red and matures to glossy green. Flower clusters are drooping, and come in white, pink, or red blooming from red buds. There are many commonly grown varieties of this species, listed below. Those listed after 'Variegata' are grown principally for their flowers.
'Bert Chandler'
Salmon-pink new foliage ages to cream, white and matures to pale green. White flowers. |
'Bisbee Dwarf'
1 foot tall and just as wide, with smaller leaves that emerge red. Flowers are white. |
'Cavatine'
2-3 feet tall and wide. Red new growth. White flowers. |
'Compacta'
4-5 feet tall and wide with white blooms. |
'Crispa'
Reaches 6-7 feet tall and wide, with wavy edged leaves. Flowers are white. |
'Flaming Silver'
Great hybrid variety, 4-5 feet tall and wide. New leaves are red with pink margins and mature to green with white edges. White blossoms. |
'Karenoma'
Compact variety reaching 3-5 feet tall and wide, with upright clusters of white flowers. |
'Little Heath'
2-4 feet tall and just as wide, with white flowers. foliage is grey-green and edged in white. |
'Mountain Fire'
This species has bright, fiery red new growth and white blossoms. |
'Prelude'
2-3 feet tall and wide with pink new growth and white flowers. |
'Pygmaea'
Tiny form reaching just 1-2 feet tall and wide, with sparse white flowers and narrow leaves. |
'Sarabande'
Vigorous but compact, 3-4 feet tall and wide with white flowers. |
'Spring Snow'
Compact, 3-5 feet tall with upright white flower clusters. |
'Valley Fire'
With brilliant red new growth that matures to green, and white blossoms. |
'Variegata'
Slow grower, reaching 6 feet tall and wide. Foliage edged in creamy white. |
'Brouwer's Beauty'
5-7 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with deep red buds that open to reveal white flowers. Clusters are nearly horizontal. |
'Christmas Cheer'
Blooms early with bicolored (white and deep red) flowers borne on rose-red flower stalks. |
'Dorothy Wyckoff'
Deep red buds open to reveal pink flowers that age to white. New foliage is bronze. Compact grower. |
'Purity'
3-4 feet tall and wide, with large white flowers. Late bloomer. |
'Temple Bells'
This variety is a slow grower, eventually reaching 3-5 feet tall and wide. Flowers are ivory. |
Caring for and pruning pieris shrubs
Plant your Pieris shrub in a location with full to partial shade that has protection from hot afternoon rays and strong winds. They prefer soil that is well-draining, acidic soil (with a pH of between 5.0 and 6.0) with a generous amount of incorporated organic matter. Pieris shrubs are intolerant of salty water and soil, so they are not great choices for coastal gardens. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the summer months. Apply mulch around the bottom of the plant to increase soil moisture retention. Fertilize in early springtime before new growth begins with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specialized for acid-loving plants. Avoid excess fertilization, as it can damage the plant.
Prune your shrub in late springtime after flowering has finished to control for size and shape. Remove spent flower clusters as they appear, and rejuvenate older plants by thinning out the older wood. Lower branches can be removed as well to reveal attractive bark. Pieris shrubs flower on old wood, and if it is pruned too late in the season, it risks the loss of flowers in the next year.
Prune your shrub in late springtime after flowering has finished to control for size and shape. Remove spent flower clusters as they appear, and rejuvenate older plants by thinning out the older wood. Lower branches can be removed as well to reveal attractive bark. Pieris shrubs flower on old wood, and if it is pruned too late in the season, it risks the loss of flowers in the next year.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
The following issues affect Pieris shrubs:
- Aphids
- Scale Insects
- Lace Bugs
- Powdery Mildew
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 505 - 506, Pieris
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