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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 3 ft to 5 ft
Width: 3 ft to 5 ft
Flower color: Clusters of white bell-shaped flowers with a soft creamy tone
Foliage color: Glossy deep green leaves with bronze red new growth and a dense compact habit
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate; prefers consistently moist acidic well drained soil
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove damaged growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 8
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to early nectar rich flowers

Shrubs

Pieris japonica 'Prelude'

Prelude Pieris

Pieris japonica 'Prelude' produces clusters of small, urn-shaped white flowers in early spring, hanging beneath the branches in dense, bead-like chains. Glossy, narrow leaves emerge with soft reddish to bronze tones before maturing to deep green, forming a layered, evergreen canopy. New growth appears in colorful flushes that add seasonal contrast, while the flower clusters develop at the stem tips and remain visible above the foliage.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate; prefers consistently moist acidic well drained soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Containers
Deer Prone Areas

Companion plants

Leucothoe · Solomon’s seal · Bergenia · Japanese plum yew · Hosta · Snowdrops

Design tip

Emphasize ‘Prelude’s’ layered character by allowing the cascading white flower clusters to stand out against its glossy, deep green foliage. Reddish-bronze new growth introduces a second color note as the season progresses, keeping the evergreen framework from appearing static.