About
A compact, evergreen shrub to around 1.5m tall with deeply-veined, glossy dark green leaves that may turn bronze in cold weather and new growth that emerges red in spring. Drooping panicles of lightly scented, urn-shaped, pale pink flowers that turn white with age open from reddish-purple buds in 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
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to pieris lacebug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Phytophthora root rot, and fungal leaf spot