Pieris japonica grows to 1–4 metres or 3.3–13.1 feet tall, occasionally up to 10 metres, with alternate, simple leaves on brittle stems. The leaves open bronze or red in some cultivars, turning green. The trusses of small urn-shaped flowers are white or pink, appearing early in spring, and providing a decorative effect against the young red leaves. The flowers usually last two or three weeks. The plant is poisonous if consumed by people or animals. The toxicity is a result of the grayanotoxins contained by the flowers and leaves. If flowers and leaves are ingested by humans, symptoms may include salivation, headaches, vomiting, cardiac failure, and death. Cattle, goats, horses, dogs, and cats may suffer similar symptoms after ingesting the leaves or flowers of this plant. The name "andromeda" originated from an earlier genus name for the plant.
Pieres Variegata Care
Variegated Japanese Pieris
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Humidity
High
Lighting
Part Sun
Temperature
18°C - 20°C
Hardiness zone
max 7a
Difficulty
Easy
Hibernation
Cold period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
In the absence of rain, Japanese pieris needs regular deep watering about once a week. Keep the soil moist to about three inches deep.
Pruning
Pieris do not require routine pruning. The shrub can be pruned if needed to tidy up any spindly branches or spent flowers. Pruning should be done in late spring after flowering.
Fertilizer
Add a fertilizer for azaleas, camellias and rhododendron only in late winter and early summer, and follow the package instructions for the amount.
Sunlight
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Soil
Best in moist, well-drained, acid soil with ample organic matter. However, not as demanding for acid soil as many other ericaceous plants. Responds to fertilization, especially in high rainfall areas. Low nutrition may result in yellow foliage.
Temperature
Again, fully hardy H5 which is tolerant of low temperatures to -15c.
Container
Remove the plant from its container and thoroughly soak the root ball. Half-fill the hole with a mixture of 50% acid compost, soil and peat.
Additional
Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats
Popularity
13 people already have this plant 6 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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