Scientific name: Pieris japonica
Family: ERICACEAE
Common names: “lily-of-the-valley shrub”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Conditions:
Zone: 5-8
Light: Semi-shade best, full sun can bleach out the leaves
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Organically rich acidic soil
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 6′-12′ W 6′-8′
Leaf and Stem shape: Leathery, dark green leaves, often brightly coloured when young
Flower: Small white urn-shaped, fragrant flowers borne in panicles in spring
Pruning: Prune off flowered heads, can be cut back hard it will regrow, can be pruned into a small tree
Maintenance: Tend to have lots of deadwood inside that needs cleaning out
Landscape use: Hedges, shrub centerpiece, screen
Propagate: By cuttings
Pests & Disease: Andromeda lace bugs have been spotted in Victoria
*Deer resistant
Comments: If the new leaves are darker green than the old leaves, its nitrogen deficient
Cultivars: Many cultivars and varieties, the ~AGM winners include:
P. j. ‘Purity’ –
P. j. ‘Pink Delight’ –
P. j. ‘Carnaval’ –
P. j. ‘Sarabande’ –
P. ‘Firecrest’ –
P. j. ‘Valley Valentine’ –
P. j. ‘Blush’ –
P. j. ‘Purity’ –
P. j. ‘Prelude’ –
P. j. ‘Mountain Fire’ – Bright red young leaves which turn coppery green with fragrant creamy white flowers
P. j. ‘Debutante’ –
P. j. ‘Bonfire’ –
P. j. ‘Cavatine’ –
P. j. ‘Flaming Silver’ – Much smaller plant with bright red new foliage, cream margin on the leaves, cream flowers
other cultivars: P. j. ‘Flamingo’ – deep pink flowers
P. j. ‘Katsura’ – Tiny dome shaped little shrub grows to 3’x3′, wine red new growth and large clusters of rose coloured flowers
P. j. ‘Temple Bells’ – Shiny leaves, pristine white flowers, compact at 3’x4′
Vancouver Island Grows 