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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 6 to 12 feet
Width: 6 to 12 feet
Flower color: White bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters
Foliage color: Glossy dark green, often with red tint on new growth
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Minimal pruning required
Growing zone: 5 to 8
Wildlife: The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies

Shrubs

Pieris japonica

Japanese Pieris

Pieris japonica, an evergreen shrub native to Eastern Asia, is prized for its graceful form and ornamental features. Its glossy, lance-shaped leaves emerge bronze and mature to a deep green, providing a lush backdrop year-round. From late winter to early spring, cascading clusters of fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Japanese Pieris thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil and can tolerate partial shade to full sun.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Containers
Borders

Companion plants

Yew · Astilbe · Ajuga · Sweet box · Anemone · Oregon grape

Design tip

Allow Japanese pieris to contribute interest at two distinct points in the season: bronze new foliage provides the first color transition, followed by cascading white flowers in late winter to early spring. Its evergreen foliage then maintains a strong visual presence through the remainder of the year.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)