Pieris japonica aka Japanese Pieris
Taxonomy
Pieris japonica, also known as the Japanese andromeda or Japanese pieris, is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it can be found growing in mountain thickets. This versatile plant is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree that is widely cultivated in gardens. It has a compact and slow-growing nature, typically reaching a height of around 1.2m. The shrub has a bushy habit with glossy green leaves that are elliptic in shape and slightly toothed. In spring, upright clusters of small, pale pink, urn-shaped flowers with a pleasant scent open from dark red buds at the tips of the stems. The Japanese andromeda is a valuable addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and a touch of elegance. It should be noted, however, that this plant is poisonous if consumed by humans or animals. Despite its toxicity, its beauty and captivating blooms make it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts.
Common names
Japanese Pieris, Japanese Andromeda, Lily Of The Valley BushHow to care for Japanese Pieris
Difficulty
Japanese Pieris requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Japanese Pieris should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Japanese Pieris loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Japanese Pieris to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Japanese Pieris is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Japanese Pieris’s native range is E. Asia - E. China, Japan.
More info:
Wikipedia
