WSU Clark County Extension
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Japanese Pieris

Scientific name: Pieris japonica
Taxonomy
Family:Ericaceae
Type:Evergreen shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:10 ft
Width:6 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Japanese Pieris is known as Lily-of-the-Valley bush for its profusion of broad, pendulous and urn-shaped white flower clusters. It is also known as Japanese Andromeda.

  Morphology:
Japanese Pieris is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with an upright and spreading branching habit, attaining a height of 8’-12’ and a width of 6’-10’ in the form of a rounded shape. Leaves are elliptical, 1.5"-3.5" long and 0.5"-0.75" wide, with the widest point at or above the middle of the leaf. Leaves have shallow serrations. They tend to cluster in whorls at the tips of the branches. In the spring they emerge coppery red and mature during the summer to bright glossy green.

A number of different cultivars exist in the trade. While most feature white flowers there some with pink ones.

  Adaptation:
This species prefers partial shade. It does best on a peaty, acidic soil as would be the case for camellias, blueberries or rhododendrons. It is often used as foundation shrub or grouped together in massed plantings. Use caution with young children as the foliage is poisonous.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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