Pieris Japonica: Grow & Care for Japanese Pieris (Lily of the Valley Shrub)

Pieris Japonica (Lily of the Valley shrub) is a landscape plant. And Pieris japonica is the senior flower material of florists. The branches, leaves (which can be used to make pesticides), and seeds of Pieris japonica are toxic. Once horses accidentally eat this plant, they will fall asleep. Our daily contact with Pieris japonica is non-toxic, but we must avoid eating it by mistake. The branches are about 110cm high, and the ornamental period is 2 to 6 months. There is no pollen transmission, so it is suitable for people with pollen allergies.

Pieris Japonica Care Quick Info

Botanical/Scientific Name	Pieris Japonica
Common Name	Lily of the Valley shrub
When to Grow/Bloom/Harvest	Plant in spring or fall/Bloom in late winter to early spring
Uses	As alcove posts in tea rooms
Origin	Eastern China
Light Care	Full to partial shade and rich
Soil Care	Well-drained soil
Temperature Care	Does not have any special temperature requirements
Humidity Care	Lightly moist at all times
Watering	Water to a depth of 3 inches
Pruning Care	Prune your japanese pieris immediately after the blossoms fade
Fertilizer Care	A yearly application of nitrogen
Propagation	Softwood cuttings
Toxic	High severity poison
Flower Color	Pink, White

Where to Grow Pieris Japonica

Pieris Japonica plants will do best in full sun or partial shade and will struggle with no sunlight whatsoever. To give them the best chance at healthy growth, choose a location that is east or west-facing to be safe. Some varieties from our list above can handle facing south, but none should be planted in a north-facing direction.

When to Grow Pieris Japonica

For the best results, plant your Pieris Japonica in spring or autumn. With a Pieris, you can expect red growth around the leaves in February, followed by the most vibrant period of growth in March. This gives way to flowers – usually white but not always, as we've seen above – in April and May. As an evergreen, the leaves will stay on year-round.

How to Grow Pieris Japonica

Pieris Japonica Propagation with Seeds

• Propagate pieris japonica from seed in spring for the best results, or in autumn if absolutely necessary. Test the viability of the seeds by soaking them in a bucket of water for 24 hours. Discard any seeds that float to the top.
• Fill 4-inch plastic pots with a moistened mixture of three parts sterile compost and one part perlite. Fill the containers to within 1/2 inch of the top. Gently firm the mixture to eliminate any air pockets.
• Sow one andromeda seed in each pot. Place the seed on the compost mixture. Gently press it into the surface so it is half-buried. Scatter a very thin layer of compost over the seed so that it's covered but still exposed to the light.
• Mist each pot with a spray bottle to settle the compost onto the seeds. Drape a piece of plastic wrap over each pot to prevent the compost from drying out too quickly.
• Move the pots into a cold frame, or place them indoors near a west-facing window with bright, indirect light. Shield them from direct sunlight, to keep the seeds from drying out and going dormant.
• Mist the compost every day to prevent it from drying out. Do not allow the compost to dry out for longer than a few hours, to prevent the seeds from going dormant. Avoid making the compost soggy, too, since wet conditions can cause the seeds to rot.
• Watch for germination in 20 to 30 days. Remove the plastic wrap after the andromeda seeds sprout. Grow them in their containers until they reach 3 inches in height and have several sets of leaves, then transplant them into the garden.

Pieris Japonica Propagation with Stem Cuttings

Making cuttings is the easiest and fastest method to propagate your Pieris Japonica.

• Snip 6-inch (15 cm) cuttings off new growth (only partially hardened off) at the end of summer.
• Remove lower pairs of leaves, keeping only one or two pairs of leaves.
• If possible, dip the base of the cuttings in powdered rooting hormones.
• Plant the cuttings in heath soil.
• Keep the cuttings near light, but not in direct sunlight.
• Keep substrate a little moist.
• Protect cuttings from freezing in winter.
• Transplant in the following spring.

How to Care for Pieris Japonica

Pieris Japonica Lighting

Japanese Pieris plants prefer to grow under full sunlight, getting at least six to eight hours a day. In warmer climates, you can get away with planing your Japanese Pieris in a partial shade location that shields it from the harsher afternoon light.

Pieris Japonica Soil Care

All varieties of Pieris Japonica thrive in sandy, loamy soil with some acidity. For optimal growing conditions, the soil should be well-drained with some residual moisture. This plant will not tolerate alkaline soil, so use nutrients to adjust the soil pH if the area you’re planning on planting into is not acidic enough.

Pieris Japonica Watering

Water Pieris japonica once per week during spring, summer, and fall to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Reduce watering frequency to once every two to three weeks during winter, when the plant's active growth has ceased. Soak the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches at each watering.

Pieris Japonica Temperature & Humidity Care

As long as it's planted in the proper USDA hardiness zone, Pieris Japonica does not have any special temperature requirements. Do your best to protect the plant from cold or especially harsh winds, which can result in leaf browning or die-back.

Pieris Japonica Fertilizer

Fertilize once every year during early spring using a 14-7-7 NPK fertilizer. Apply at the rate recommended by the manufacturer's instructions. Water lightly before and after feeding, soaking the soil to a depth of at least 2 inches, to prevent root injury and release the nutrients into the soil.

Pieris Japonica Pruning

Prune Pieris Japonica immediately after blooming ends to improve the plant's aesthetic appeal and overall health. Trim back any excessively long growth and remove any damaged or diseased limbs as necessary using hedge clippers.

Pieris Japonica Pests & Diseases

Hardy though it may be, Pieris Japonica is not immune from pests and diseases. Although there are no particularly severe threats, it's always a good idea to keep your eye out for any potential issues. If you see discoloration on the leaves, dead patches, or any other blemishes, your plant may be feeling poorly.

Varieties of Pieris Japonica

Pieris 'Forest Flame' – this has great foliage and typical white Pieris flowers. The new leaves appear bright red in spring, changing color through pink, cream, and green. It has been given the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Pieris japonica 'Firecrest' – this has bright red young bracts in spring and pure white flowers. It has been given the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Pieris japonica 'Purity' – a striking cultivar with green leaves and bright white flowers.
Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' – this has bright red young bracts in spring and pure white flowers. The foliage matures to a deep, rich green.
Pieris japonica 'Katsura' – is a compact variety with dark green foliage and pinkish-purple flowers.
Pieris japonica 'Passion' – a new cultivar with pinkish-red flowers and foliage that is flushed red in spring turning glossy green later.

Pieris Japonica Care FAQ

Is Pieris japonica poisonous?

Excessive salivation, vomiting, and abdominal pain usually develop 6-8 hours after the plant is eaten... Honey derived from rhododendrons, Pieris Japonica, and other members of the Heath family can contain toxic levels of grayanotoxin (mad honey) and can cause poisoning in people who eat it.

Why did Pieris lose their leaves?

Look out for the following symptoms of Pieris lace bug on Pieris and Rhododendron; The foliage Pieris Japonica develops a coarse pale mottling on the upper surface and by late summer the leaves can have a bleached whitish-yellow appearance. Heavy attacks may cause leaf drop on Pieris.

Does Pieris grow fast?

How fast does a Japanese Pieris grow? Pieris japonica 'Katsura' reaches 3 by 3 feet in five years. At maturity, it can be between 6 to 9 feet with a spread of 6 feet.