Family: Ericaceae

Originating from North America, the West Indies, eastern Asia and the Himalayas, this genus includes seven species of fairly dense, evergreen shrubs or small trees, grown for attractive flowers and foliage. They have leathery, green leaves and sprays of tiny, white, urn-shaped, waxy flowers, similar to lilyof-the-valley, which appear in abundance during spring. Pieris make excellent border and specimen plants, and also look very effective in tubs or pots.

Species

P. formosa, a native of western China, grows to 4 m (13 ft) and produces a display of bronze young growth during spring. P. formosa var. forrestii, from China, has large clusters of flowers and scarlet young growth. It grows to 2 m (6 ft) high.

P. japonica, lily-of-the-valley bush, from Japan, is a lovely shrub, growing to around 4 m (13 ft) in cultivation. It has pendulous sprays of large, heather-like, white flowers. Many cultivars are available. 'Christmas Cheer' has pink-stalked, white flowers with pink tips; 'Flamingo' has deep rose pink buds. opening to deep pink; 'Purity' is a compact form, growing to about 1 m (3 ft), with pure white flowers; and 'White Cascade' has long sprays of white flowers, over a long period. 'Variegatus' develops dark green foliage with cream margins. The cultivars 'Valley Rose' and 'Valley Valentine' are comparatively recent introductions but have proved their garden worth and so can be recommended. The former is a dwarf plant decked with pink and white blooms, while the latter produces dark red flowers from equally dark buds. Both of these were bred in Oregon.

Cultivation

Grow in slightly acid, well-drained, peaty soil, in a shady spot with some shelter from strong winds. Water frequently, especially during summer months, and trim straggly shoots after flowering. Propagate species from seed and cultivars from semi-ripe cuttings, in summer, rooted in a heated propagating case.

Climate

Cool and moist. Zone 7 for most species, but zone 6 for P. japonica.