Pieris | Pieris Japonica
Pieris, a member of the Ericaceae family, is native to China and Japan where it grows as an evergreen shrub with an upright, bushy habit that can reach up to 3 m (10 ft) in height. The narrow, oval to lanceolate leaves are produced at the end of the shoots and are usually reddish when young. The white, bell-shapedare borne in 20 cm (8 in) long, drooping panicles that appear in spring. The variety ‘Forest Flame’ can reach a height of 1.5 m (5 ft) and has brilliant red leaves when they first emerge. ‘Variegata’ will light any dark corner with its decorative, white-yellow variegated leaves.
Pieris thrives in moist, well-drained, acidand should be watered with soft water. Dead wood should be removed, otherwise there is no need for . In winter the root balls should be protected against frost.
It can be propagated from greenwood and semi-ripe cuttings in spring and summer. The leaves cause feelings of nausea if consumed.