About
A bushy, evergreen shrub with dark, glossy green leaves, bright red when young. Slightly-scented, urn-shaped, cream flowers are produced in large, drooping sprays in mid spring.
About the genus
Pieris are compact evergreen shrubs with leathery, dark green leaves, often brightly coloured when young, and small white urn-shaped flowers borne in panicles in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Architectural, Wildlife gardens
Native toW China, Myanmar
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, tortoises): Harmful if eaten - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in acidic, moderately-fertile, humus-rich soil but may need some protection in winter when young
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to pieris lacebug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Phytophthora root rot, and fungal leaf spot