Charming and Delightful with Year-Round Color
The Japanese Andromeda bush (Pieris japonica) is also known as Lily-of-the-Valley bush for its dangling white bell-shaped flower clusters. It does well in our coastal climate, is deer resistant, and being an evergreen, it will provide color and interest to your garden throughout the year.
These shrubs are a gardener’s dream in the late winter as we wait patiently for any signs of spring. It is one of the first plants to show its flowers, and its new foliage is a bright red providing a spectacular contrast to the white flower clusters and more established glossy green leaves. As the year goes on, those new leaves will turn green and new buds will set for the next spring adding new interest for the garden.
These shrubs can be planted in the fall or the spring. They are extremely slow growers and will eventually max out at about 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide. They require little pruning since they naturally grow in a rounded graceful form, and attempting to prune them can give these plants an awkward appearance. However, if preferred it can be thinned to create a small tree.
This plant typically prefers full sun to partial shade. I have one in a fairly shady part of my yard and even though it doesn’t produce as many flowers there, it is still a very handsome addition to the landscape. These bushes grow faster in shady areas but will treat you to more flowers if allowed more sunshine. The plant will also be happier if it has some protection from our harsh winter winds so a less windy spot in the yard is always good, or it can be planted in a large pot that can be moved out of the wind.
Here is some additional information on growing Japanese Andromeda.
Hardiness:
USDA zones, 6-9
Sunset zones, 2b-9, 14-17
Soil Type:
Acidic, moist but well drain
Light:
Full sun to light shade
Feeding:
Provide side dressing of compost in the spring, if needed use fertilizer for acid-loving plants
Temperature:
Thrives in moderate climate, tolerates variety of humidity levels
Water:
Average water needs, does not like drought conditions, provide additional water during dry summer months
Toxicity:
Toxic to humans and pets
Cultivars:
‘Compacta’, ‘Forest Flame’, ‘Mountain Fire’, ‘Red Mill’, ‘Valley Rose’, ‘Variegata’
In most cases, your Japanese Andromeda should be trouble free. Some issues that your plant could suffer from are fungal leaf diseases, phytophthora root rot, canker, and lacebug. To avoid problems, plant in an area with good air circulation and soil drainage, use a fungicide when appropriate, and/or spray with horticultural oil to the underside of the leaves if needed. It is a good idea to purchase your plants from a nursery in your local area and speak to the horticulturist for advice on caring for your plant.
If you choose to plant a Japanese Andromeda in your yard, I wish you many years of enjoyment. They are indeed beautiful plants that look great alongside ferns and other native plants. Their flowers attract pollinators, and the deer stay away from them, which is always a bonus around here!
Happy Gardening!
1 Comment
Karen Y Hogan
Our larger Japanese Andromeda (Valley Rose) was hit during the Ice storm and we lost half of it to that and the other Half has just keep dying. our smaller 2 bushes are still going strong after about 7 years. Just love their colors.