Pieris sp.

andromeda

A broadleaved evergreen shrub, most Pieris varieties have abundant white flowers, although some cultivars, notably ' Christmas Cheer' have pink blossoms. The fruits are not showy. The plants are commonly known as andromedas, and Pieris japonica was originally called Andromeda japonica.

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Lighting:	Full sun in all but the hottest climates.
Temperature:	Can take very hot weather, although should have some partial shade above 95F. Will take light frost, but prefers temperatures to remain above 35F.
Watering:	Moderate. Soil should be somewhat moist, but overwatering can cause root rot. Avoid water with a high lime content.
Feeding:	Cakes or a 20-20-20 fertilizer can be used, although an occasional dose of Miracid helps to keep the soil acidic.
Repotting:	Every 2-4 years in early spring. Use lime-free soil mix.
Styling:	Trim back new shoots during growth. Can be used for most styles and sizes. Has a long flowering period, and can be pruned while still in bloom. Remove flowers as they fade.
Propagation:	Air-layering, cuttings.

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Some species suitable for bonsai:

Pieris formosa: Chinese andromeda - possibly the most attractive andromeda, with showy white flowers and fiery red new shoots.
Pieris japonica (also called andromeda japonica): pieris, Japanese andromeda - This shrub has drooping clusters of flowers to five inches long, and three inch leaves. It grows to ten feet. Supposedly hardy in zones 6-8. although those who posted suggest thst the plant can take more heat and less cold than this.
Pieris japonica 'Christmas Cheer'; Japanese andromeda
Pieris japonica 'Compacta': dwarf andromeda, dwarf lily-of-the- valley bush

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Related posts on Pieris:

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Bill Stevens
wstevens@webzone.net
May 21, 1997

I'm looking for a variety called "mountain andromeda" or "pieris floribunda".  My plant book says that it's hard to find (it sure is!) but worth the search.  So far, i've had no luck.  Does anyone know where I might find one?  I've heard that it's native to the Southeast but I haven't been able to confirm that.  I'm in Oklahoma.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 12:46:45 -0400
From: Michael Persiano 

Sabrina:  Perhaps this will help.

Pieris japonica:

Lighting: Full to indirect sunlight depending on temperature.

Temperature:  Growing season:  up to 90-degrees Fahrenheit, then provide
shade.  Winter storage:  does not do well below 35-degrees Fahrenheit--must
be protected from frost.

Watering: Moist soil, but do not overwater.  Can develop root rot.

Feeding:  Cakes, Peter's 20-20-20.

Repotting: Every 2-3 years in the spring.

Styling: Informal upright, slanting, clump, cascade and semicascade.

Propagation: Air-layering, cuttings, etc.

Cordially,

Michael Persiano

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From: dwaldo@telepath.com
Date: 4 Aug 1996 03:16:29 GMT

I have a few comments about Pieris japonica.  I have had a Pieris for
only 2 years so I am commenting from limited experience.  However,
this past December I moved from NJ to OK and was not able to give
my trees the protection they needed.  All had pots frozen solid and
the Pieris, as well as others, had ice in its branches from water
driping from a roof.  Both years I have not protected mine from frost
and it has done well.  I root pruned it this spring and it is doing
great.  The 110 F heat we had did seem to dry up some of the flower
stems that have started to form (what are these things called?).

I was told by a member of the local club that Pieris likes acidic
soil and can use a good dose of Miracid. Can't confirm this though.

It seems to love the sun. New growth is a redish-pink-yellow color which
turns dark green later in the summer.

Hope this helps.
David Waldo

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Information Sources:

Information on Pieris is taken from Murata's "Four Seasons of Bonsai" and Tomlinson's "Complete Book of Bonsai," with species information from Coats' "Garden Shrubs and Their Histories" and Thomas (ed.) "The Hearst Garden Guide to Trees and Shrubs." Thanks also to Michael Persiano and David Waldo for their posts.

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