Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’
Cavatine Pieris
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet tall
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet wide
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies
About this plant
Pieris japonica 'Cavatine' is a compact, broadleaf evergreen shrub that typically grows to about 2-3 feet tall and wide. This popular dwarf variety is prized for its attractive foliage and early spring blooms, producing clusters of small, bell-shaped, fragrant white flowers that hang gracefully from the branches and attract pollinators. The flowers last for several weeks, providing a beautiful display.
'Cavatine' prefers partial shade to full shade, thriving in woodland garden settings or areas with dappled sunlight, with average water needs and a preference for moist, well-drained soil. It benefits from a layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool, making it ideal for small gardens, border plantings, or as a specimen plant, and it can also be grown in containers. Known for its resistance to deer and rabbits, 'Cavatine' is relatively disease-resistant and low-maintenance, making it a favorite among gardeners for its beauty and ease of care.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Containers · Deer Prone Areas
Companion plants
Skimmia · Japanese maple · Ajuga · Autumn fern · Snowdrops · Hellebore
Design tip
Repeat ‘Cavatine’ in small groupings to create a consistent evergreen layer, with the dark foliage providing continuity throughout the year. In early spring, the cascading white flower clusters transform that quiet framework into a more prominent seasonal display.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
