Japanese Andromeda
(Pieris japonica)
Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
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Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Pieris_japonica_'Katsura'_Pieris_japoński_2019-04-06_04.jpg | Notes: Transferred from Flickr via [[Commons:Flickr2Commons|Flickr2Commons]] |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pieris japonica, commonly known as Japanese andromeda or Japanese pieris, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the heath family Ericaceae. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, thriving in mountain thickets and forest edges. It typically grows to a height of 1–4 meters and features alternate, simple leaves on brittle stems. The foliage emerges with a bronze or red hue in some cultivars, later turning green. In early spring, Pieris japonica produces trusses of small urn-shaped flowers that are white or pink, creating a striking contrast against the young red leaves and lasting two to three weeks. The flowers are notably showy, attracting early pollinators.
The plant is appreciated for its early spring color and is often used in temperate gardens alongside camellias, rhododendrons, and other acid-loving plants. It is poisonous if ingested by humans or animals, which should be considered when planting in areas with children or pets. Pieris japonica prefers acidic soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, requiring medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. It is susceptible to lacebug infestations and root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is appreciated for its early spring color and is often used in temperate gardens alongside camellias, rhododendrons, and other acid-loving plants. It is poisonous if ingested by humans or animals, which should be considered when planting in areas with children or pets. Pieris japonica prefers acidic soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, requiring medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. It is susceptible to lacebug infestations and root rot if drainage is poor.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-12 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Cream, Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to mountain thickets and forest edges in eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan
Other Names
Common Names: Lily-Of-The-Valley-Bush, Japanese Andromeda, Japanische Lavendelheide, Piéride Du Japon, Japansk Buskrosling, Ma Zui Mu, Asebi
Scientific Names: , Pieris japonica, Pieris taiwanensis, Andromeda japonica, Pieris japonica var. taiwanensis, Pieris nana, Pieris polita, Pieris japonica subsp. taiwanensis, Lyonia polita, Lyonia popowii
GBIF Accepted Name: Pieris japonica (Thunb.) D.Don ex G.Don