Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’

Pieris japonica or known just as Pieris is a round, compact, evergreen shrub. It is popular with gardeners due to its early flowers in spring. Its beautiful bronze foliage matures to dark green, and it flowers with white blooms that resemble those of Lily of the Valley from April to May. As a slow grower, Japanese pieris is a good choice for foundations and shrub borders. It’s also great for growing in woodland areas.

 

Happiest in full sun or partial shade, Japanese pieris grows well in moderately fertile, humus-rich, acidic, soil. Your Mountain Fire will thank you if you mulch it each year with some well-rotted pine needles. In dry periods, Japanese pieris should be watered about once per week; the soil should be moist to about three inches deep. Luckily, the way Japanese pieris grows naturally is very attractive so you won’t have much pruning to do. If you do want a neater look, you can remove the spent flowers right after they have bloomed. Although generally pest free, Japanese pieris is sometimes affected by Phytophthora root diseases and leaf spot.

 

No parts of the Japanese pieris should be eaten.