Glossy, brilliant red young leaves mature to chestnut brown and in late spring, clusters of pretty, ivory, nodding, bell-like flowers appear, resembling lily-of-the-valley. The fiery red young foliage of this rounded, evergreen shrub will add a splash of vivid colour to a shady border or woodland edge. Pieris needs a moist, well-drained acid soil and shade from morning sun.
How to care for Pieris japonica Mountain Fire:
Add composted pine needles or ericaceous compost when planting. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted pine needles or bark each year around the base of the plant in early spring. Remove the faded flower-heads in late spring along with any frost-damaged foliage.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
3m
Eventual spread:
2.5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
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Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten