About
A compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub, to around 1.2m high, with a bushy habit and elliptic, slightly toothed, glossy green leaves. Upright clusters of small, scented, urn-shaped pale pink flowers open from dark red buds at the tips of the stems 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, 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
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well drained, acid soil; will not tolerate chalk soils or waterlogging. Position in full sun or light shade, with protection from cold, drying winds, and mulch annually in autumn
PruningMinimal pruning required, see pruning group 8 (evergreens)
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to pieris lacebug
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Phytophthora root rot, and fungal leaf spot