About
Pieris japonica 'Purity' is a compact, bushy, medium-sized pieris producing relatively large, pure-white flowers in erect panicles, borne freely even on young plants. Foliage is pale green at first, becoming dark green in summer. A rewarding and prolific-flowering selection for a sheltered, moist, acid garden.
About the genus
Pieris are compact, evergreen shrubs with leathery, dark-green leaves � often brightly coloured when young � and small, white, urn-shaped flowers in panicles in spring. Excellent shrubs for sheltered, moist, acid gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
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