Japanese Pieris

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'

flower

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica), also called Japanese andromeda or lily-of-the-valley shrub, is a refined broadleaf evergreen for acid-soil gardens, grown for two seasons of beauty: drooping 3 to 6 in clusters of small white urn-shaped flowers in early spring, and brilliant coppery-red new growth - vivid scarlet in the cultivar Mountain Fire - that matures to glossy dark green. It forms a dense, layered shrub of about 6 to 8 ft, with dwarf forms available. It pairs naturally with rhododendrons and azaleas in woodland borders. Note that all parts are highly toxic.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Rhododendron — An acid-loving broadleaf evergreen that shares pieris exact soil and shade needs
• Azalea — Flowers alongside pieris in spring in the same acidic woodland conditions
• Fern — Thrives in the same cool, moist, acidic shade and softens the shrub base

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Lace bugs →

  A major pest that stipples leaves silvery-gray, worst in too much sun; site in some shade, support plant vigor, and treat undersides if heavy

• Phytophthora root rot →

  Fatal in wet soil; plant in acidic, well-drained ground and never overwater

• Leaf spot →

  Fungal spotting in wet, crowded conditions; give airflow and remove affected leaves

• Nematodes →

  Soil pests that damage roots; keep plants vigorous and avoid known infested soil

🌸 Blooms & cutting

Pieris is grown for its early flowers and colorful new growth, not for harvest, and is poisonous, so nothing is gathered from it. The main task is removing the spent flower clusters and lightly shaping right after bloom; it otherwise needs little pruning. Shelter it from winter wind to protect the evergreen leaves.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Japanese pieris is an ornamental flowering evergreen and is highly poisonous - no part is edible. Its value is early spring bell flowers and vivid red new growth for acid-soil woodland gardens. Have a different variety? Cultivars of this shrub share the same basic care, so this guide still applies even if your exact flower color is not shown.

⚠️ Toxicity & safety

Japanese pieris is highly poisonous. All parts, including the leaves and even the flower nectar, contain grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin); eating them can cause a tingling mouth, drooling, watering eyes and nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, abdominal pain, headache, weakness, convulsions, and in severe cases cardiac failure that may be fatal. It is dangerous to people, cats, dogs, and horses, so site it away from grazing animals and keep children from the plant.