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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Pieris japonica 'Valley Fire'

Valley Fire Pieris

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Early spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)