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Key characteristics

Family: Ericaceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: Bright pink, bell-shaped flowers
Foliage color: Dark green with red new growth
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Partial sun
Water: Keep soil moist, but not soggy
Maintenance: Moderate, prune after bloom if needed
Growing zone: USDA Zones 6 to 8
Wildlife: Provides nectar for pollinators, but not highly attractive to wildlife overall

Shrubs

Pieris japonica 'Shy'

Impish Elf Pieris

Pieris japonica 'Shy' is an evergreen shrub known for its vibrant spring growth and attractive, compact form. The new foliage emerges in a rich red color, which contrasts beautifully with the glossy, dark green leaves that persist through the winter. In late winter to early spring, the plant produces clusters of bright pink, bell-shaped flowers, which bloom from distinctive hot pink buds. This variety's ability to add color both in winter and spring makes it an appealing choice for various garden settings.

Light

Partial sun

Water

Keep soil moist, but not soggy

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Containers
Deer Prone Areas

Companion plants

Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley

Design tip

A dark evergreen backdrop helps ‘Shy’s’ hot pink buds, bright pink flowers, and red new growth read as a continuous sequence of color from late winter into spring. The glossy green foliage provides enough visual contrast to keep each stage distinct.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)