Pieris japonica- Japanese Pieris, Andromeda
Description
General: An upright, oval shaped evergreen shrub with a neat habit, stiff spreading branches and dense rosette like foliage.
Leaves: Alternate, simple and evergreen. Obovate and 1 to 3” long. Bronze colored new growth that’s lustrous dark green at maturity.
Flowers: White, urn shaped, 3 to 6” long pendulous panicles. Mildly fragrant. March through April. Long lasting.
Fruit: A 5 valved ¼” long capsule persisting into the winter months.
Attributes: An excellent specimen broadleaf evergreen shrub. Works well alone or with other broadleaved shrubs, in groups or single specimens. Cherished for its long bloom time and evergreen glossy foliage.
Culture
Hardiness: Zones 4-7.
Growing Conditions: Prefers moist, acid, well drained soil that’s been amended with peat moss or other organic matter. Full sun to partial shade. Requires protection from wind.
Maintenance: Susceptible to lace bug and phytopthora root rot. For aesthetic purposes, prune spent blooms after flowering.
Transplanting: Transplants easily.
Our Experience
Experience at Great Hill
We have several Pieris japonica as well as Pieris japonica and floribunda crosses (namely Browers Beauty) on Great Hill and throughout our nursery. Most of our specimens are situated in and seem to flourish under partial shade in mixed evergreen borders. We have had some issue with root rot and die back, but plants had already succumbed to stress of a lace bug infection. With proper care, placement, and cultural practice, these shrubs stay ornamental through all four seasons.
Pieris floribunda- Mountain Pieris
Description
General: A low, rounded evergreen shrub with a bushy habit and stiff branches. Grows 2 to 6′ with a similar spread.
Leaves: Alternate, ovate, simple, glossy/leathery and dark green. 1-3″ long.
Flowers: White, dense, fragrant panicles 2 to 4″ long bloom in the early spring.
Fruit: Small brown capsules appear in the fall.
Attributes: A compact evergreen that works as a specimen or as hedge or screening plant.
Culture
Hardiness: Zones 4-6.
Growing Conditions: Prefers moist, acid, well drained soil that’s been amended with peat moss or other organic matter. Full sun to partial shade. Requires protection from wind.
Maintenance: Not as susceptible to lacebug as the japanese pieris. Intolerant of strong winds.
Transplanting: Difficult to transplant and establish. Greater success using seed than cuttings.
Our Experience
Experience at Great Hill
‘Browers Beauty’ is the only floribunda we have on great hill and it is a cross with japanese pieris. This hybrid is common to and successful in our region due to its soil and climate tolerance and its resistance to lacebug. We’re careful to plant our pieris with protection from winds and full afternoon sun. Beautiful four season interest.