Overview
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' is a bushy shrub in the genus Pieris, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4.0 m tall. Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, foundation plantings and woodland gardens. It is native to Eastern China, Taiwan and Japan.
About
Pieris japonica, the Japanese andromeda or Japanese pieris, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it grows in mountain thickets.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pieris japonica
About the genus
Pieris is a genus of seven species of shrubs in the flowering plant family Ericaceae, native to mountain regions of eastern and southern Asia, eastern North America and Cuba. Known commonly in North America as andromedas or fetterbushes, they are broad-leaved evergreen shrubs growing to 1–6 metres (3–20 ft) tall and 0.9–3.0 m (3–10 ft) wide. The leaves are spirally arranged, often appearing to be in whorls at the end of each shoot with bare stretches of shoot below; they are lanceolate-ovate, 2–10 cm (1–4 in) long and 1.0–3.5 cm broad, leathery textured, and with an entire or serrated margin.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pieris (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pieris (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pieris
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Foundation plantings, Woodland gardens
- Native to
- Eastern China, Taiwan, Japan
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'
- Cultivation
- Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil; avoid alkaline soils; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Pieris lacebug
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, Fungal leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'?
Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil; avoid alkaline soils; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'?
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' prefers full sun and full shade. It suits partial shade positions.
What soil does Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' need?
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
How big does Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' grow?
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' reaches a height of 4.0 m.
Is Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' hardy in the UK?
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
Is Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' toxic?
Toxic if ingested.
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