Pieris, More Than Just Flowers
Who doesn’t love an evergreen shrub that offers layers of gorgeous, cascading flowers, striking foliage and provides year-round interest. Pieris, also known as Lily of the Valley, is a charming and versatile shrub that flowers from late winter to early spring. Bloom color ranges from shades of white, pink and rosy-red. But the show’s not over when the flowers fade. New foliage emerges in colors ranging from bronzy-pink to fiery-red. Leaf colors last for 2-3 weeks and then turn green as they mature.
This slow yet steady grower is available in many different varieties, so you’re sure to find one that suits the size of your landscape. Pieris is easy to care for and prefers partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Older plants can be limbed up to look like small trees. Pieris is frequently grouped together in a mixed planting under trees or against a wall. As cut flowers, pieris is trendy in wedding bouquets. Here are a few of our favorite pieris varieties:
Pieris ‘Tiki’
This unique, rarely seen variety has exquisite wedding, cake-like layers of white flowers on graceful, arching stems. Flashy buds stand out against glossy foliage through winter, opening to white, bell-shaped blooms. Tiki has a compact, rounded form that makes an excellent accent, massed planting or clipped hedge.
Pieris ‘Katsura’
This evergreen shrub features long trusses of sweetly scented, pink flowers that spill over shiny foliage in spring. Beautiful, wine-red new foliage appears throughout the season turning dark green with age. This vigorous, moderately fast growing selection makes an excellent container accent, foundation planting or hedge.
