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Pieris japonica ‘Valley Rose’
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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Lily-of-the-valley shrub is a herald of spring with the new blossoms being one of the first flowers to open. Pieris japonica ‘Valley Rose‘ has strikingly beautiful, two-toned flowers. Each tiny, urn-shaped bloom has a deep rose pink cap that fades to blushed white at the tip. The full, profuse flowers gracefully cascade down this shrub, almost hiding the evergreen foliage. As the flowers fade, bronzy new growth add an extra sparkle to the garden. This clone was originally selected at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center, near Aurora, Oregon, for its unusual flower color and strong disease resistance. Its slow growth and refined habit make it an excellent choice for the urban landscape. Pieris 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. FThis Pieris cultivar stood out at an extensive trial at North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon.erns, hostas and epimediums also thrive in the company of this beautiful shrub. |
| 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 Rose‘ becomes an upright, rounded, evergreen shrub. It is a slow grower, generally only putting on 4 to 6 inches of growth a year. In ten years it will reach about 5 to 6 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