The Lily Of the Valley Tree
A wonderful small to medium evergreen shrub Pieris japonica has a slow to medium growth rate and get to 3 – 4 metres tall (9 – 11 ft) depending on variety. Some of the smaller or dwarf types will reach only 1m (3ft) in height. Also known as ‘Lily of the Valley Tree’ and Japanese Andromeda.
This is highly ornamental flowering shrub, it will flower well in light shade and with Lily of the Valley like all varieties flower in late winter to spring.
These are heavy flowering plant, a number of varieties are offered including both white and pink flowering types as well a low growing or dwarf forms.
This is Japanese native shrub, hence the common name of Japanese Andromeda and Pearl Flower yet another.
With deep green leaves, and reddish copper new growth they make a good specimen plant or even a border. The small and waxy flowers from white to deep pink hang in delightful tassels, with flowering time late winter to early spring.
How to grow Pieris Japonica – Basic Care
All species prefer a well mulched soil and partial shade.
Although these are a plant that require a cool soil and part shade they are very adaptable to a number of landscaping applications. Well suited to shaded positions in urban conditions and small enough to be grown in a courtyard. Also suited to container growing.
- A position in part shade especially in warmer climates is best.
- Ensure that the soil is well drained.
- Prepare the soil by digging in well rotted compost and some aged cow manure.
- Plant and water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
- Mulch around the plant to maintain a cool moist root run and suppress weeds.
- Apply a slow release organic fertiliser each spring.
Growing well in similar conditions to rhododendrons and azaleas, look for a position with moist slightly acidic soil part shade and definitely with protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Pieris japonica varieties
With low growing varieties such as P. japonica pygmaea and P. japonica William Buchanen through to taller varieties available for sale up to 3m in height.
- Variegated forms such as P. japonica variegata add extra interest.
- P. japonica valley fire with white flower heads orange-red -pink new growth changing to cream then green is a vigorous form that produces a great show of flowers.
- Valley Valentine has deep raspberry red to pink flowers in spring. Deeper pink flowers than others, excellent as a contrast
- Temple Bells has classic white Lily of the Valley like flowers.
- P. japonica ‘Christmas Cheer’
- P. japonica Flamingo
- P. japonica ‘Mountain Fire’ – New growth is a deeper red than most, tall growing to 2m +.
- Spring Candy is a dwarf type, excellent in a container in a shady courtyard.
- Saraband is a very compact form, low growing to 1m with deep green foliage which acts as a good contrast to the snowy white flowers.
- Dorothy Wykoff is a stunning variety with pale to mid pink flowers.
- Flaming silver has brilliant red new foliage
- P. japonica var forrestii is a more upright and taller form with white flowers.
Pruning Pieris Japonica
One of the joys of Pieris japonica is that they require very little pruning, they can be grown for many years with no need to prune them at all.
- These are naturally slow growing and generally require only the removal any dead or damaged wood. This can be done at any time of the year.
- If you need to prune to shape, or maybe a little tidy up, the best time is immediately after flowering. This is before the new flower buds form in summer.
- Hard pruning of larger plants can be carried out in late summer. Then lightly prune the new shoots in spring to bring the plant back to shape.
P. Formosa and P. ryukensis are other species available as garden plants in Australia.
Where To Buy
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
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One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
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