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Pieris japonica ‘Valley Fire’
pieris, lily-of-the-valley shrub
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Image © Richard W. Hartlage/Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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Flaming red new growth crowns this upright evergreen shrub in early spring. Pieris ‘Valley Fire‘ is a selection from the North Willamette Research and Extension Center, near Aurora, Oregon. This remarkable plant shows excellent disease resistance and hardiness along with one of the brightest shrubs for new growth. Short strings of pearly white flowers open just before the flush of red leaves and herald the beginning of spring. Its slow-to-moderate growth and refined habit make it an excellent choice for the urban landscape. Pieris flowers are a favorite and important food source for our native pollinator, the mason bee. Play off the delicate, evergreen foliage of lily-of-the-valley shrub with coarser plants, such as rhododendrons, or other bolder, variegated plants. Ferns, hostas and epimediums also thrive in the company of this beautiful shrub. This Pieris cultivar stood out at an extensive trial at North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon. |
| Culture |
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Pieris are easy to grow, but they are also easy to ignore. However, a bit of extra care pays off with healthier, vibrant-looking plants. Like other plants in the heath family, Pieris grow best in rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. To ensure this, add plenty of organic matter to the planting site and provide an annual mulch of well-rotted compost. Poorly drained soils can result in root rot. Plant Pieiris in full sun to bright shade. If planted in too much shade, flowering will be very sparse. If planted in full sun, good soil and deep watering during summer dry spells are especially important to keep plants looking vibrant. Stressed plants are susceptible to damage by root weevils and other insects, but healthy plants have few problems. Faded flowers can be snapped off a the base of the truss if desired, although the dried seed heads are not unattractive. |
| Growing Habit |
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Pieris japonica ‘Valley Fire‘ becomes a slightly upright, rounded, evergreen shrub. It is a slow to moderate grower, generally only putting on 6 to 8 inches of growth a year. In ten years it will reach about 6 to 7 feet tall and slightly less in spread. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 6 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden