A favourite shrub this Pieris provides colour and scent from the flowers in winter. I spotted this at the beginning of December and expect the flowers to last until February. Eventually the blossom will be replaced with the famous bright red showy leaves that have rightly made the Pieris much sought after.
Tips and Hints for Great Pieris
- Pieris are happy in light shade. If you place them near paths you will get the scent from the drooping winter flowers early in the new year but allow space for the plant to grow. This years December blossom is very early for the north of England
- Pieris are ericaceous shrubs loving the same slightly acid soils preferred by Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
- Prune or deadhead after flowering but take care not to remove new leaves which are a delight and the main reason for growing Pieris
- There are two main species the Pieris japonica and the Pieris Forrestii. I grow the Forest Flame and Katsura hybrid.
- Leaves start a bright strong red and mature to green making a startling sight.
- If the leaves tend to yellow and appear sickly it is because of alkaline soil and an ericaceous feed and a peat mulch would help.
- The shrub is slow growing but may reach 8 feet. However it is still useful under larger trees if it can get good moisture.
