Overview
Pieris japonica 'Astrid' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Pieris, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pieris japonica 'Astrid' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Pieris japonica 'Astrid' is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Pieris genus, known for its thick, dark green leaves that often show vibrant colours when young. This cultivar thrives in fertile, well-drained, acidic soils such as loam or sand and prefers a sheltered position with full sun or partial shade, ideally facing west, south, or east. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of small, urn-shaped white flowers, adding seasonal interest. Suitable for cottage, informal, city, courtyard, and wildlife gardens, it is hardy to UK zone H5 and can be propagated by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings with some bottom heat.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pieris
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pieris japonica 'Astrid' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pieris japonica 'Astrid'
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to pieris lacebug
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Phytophthora root rot, and fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pieris japonica 'Astrid'?
Pieris japonica 'Astrid' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pieris japonica 'Astrid' need?
Pieris japonica 'Astrid' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Pieris japonica 'Astrid' hardy in the UK?
Pieris japonica 'Astrid' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pieris japonica 'Astrid'?
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required.
More in the Pieris genus
- Pierispieris
- Pieris japonica 'Bolero'
- Pieris japonica 'Brookside Miniature'
- Pieris japonica 'Elaine'
- Pieris japonica 'Sinfonia'
- Pieris japonica 'Spring Candy'
- Pieris japonica 'Valley Fire'
- Pieris japonica 'Variegata' (Carrière) Bean (v)pieris 'Variegata'