Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Pieris japonica 'Valley Fire'
Valley Fire Pieris
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- White bell-shaped flowers
- Foliage color
- Red new growth, turning green as it matures
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Occasional pruning after flowering
- Growing zone
- USDA Zone 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators, including bees
About this plant
Pieris japonica 'Valley Fire' is an evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant, fiery red foliage that emerges in spring, later transitioning to a rich green as the plant matures. The plant produces clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers in early spring, while its buds are a bright pink, adding a subtle contrast before opening. The glossy, narrow leaves remain dark green throughout the winter months, creating visual interest year-round.
Originating from East Asia, 'Valley Fire' is a vigorous grower that thrives in acidic, well-drained soils. It is valued for its ornamental qualities and is commonly used in landscaping for accent plantings, hedging, or massing. Adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, Pieris japonica 'Valley Fire' offers both seasonal beauty with its vibrant spring growth and year-round greenery.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Containers · Deer Prone Areas
Companion plants
Fatsia · Foamflower · Viola · Aucuba · Ferns · Trillium
Design tip
Repetition can amplify ‘Valley Fire’s’ strongest feature, creating a broad sweep of fiery red new foliage in spring rather than a single isolated burst of color. As the leaves mature to green, the planting settles into a cohesive evergreen framework that remains effective through winter.
