Japanese pieris, pronounced “pee-eh-ruhs,” is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the heath family. When used as a landscape plant, it looks beautiful and interesting all year long. Japanese pieris is native to Japan, Taiwan, and east China. Its oblong leaves start out reddish-bronze and turn glossy, leathery green as they age. This plant blooms early, with drooping clusters of pretty flowers for about two weeks in late winter and early spring.
The white or pale pink blooms resemble those of lily-of-the-valley, without the strong, notable fragrance. Japanese pieris doesn’t grow quickly, so it’s best to plant it from nursery plants in pots in the spring or fall. It will take a while to settle in your landscape. This plant grows slowly, so it’s good for foundations and shrub borders. It won’t damage nearby buildings, and you won’t have to worry about losing control of its growth or spread.
Japanese pieris is toxic to dogs and cats, and it is considered to be seriously toxic to humans. It contains grayanotoxins that can pose hazards even with minor ingestion.
With its colorful new growth and elegant shape Pieris japonica ‘Flaming Silver’ makes a striking addition to shady gardens. This variety of Japanese pieris offers unique white-variegated foliage that emerges pink and coral, eventually maturing to dark green edged in silver. Though beautiful Flaming Silver pieris requires specific care to thrive. This article provides tips for growing this eye-catching shrub successfully.
An Overview of Flaming Silver Pieris
Pieris japonica is an early spring flowering shrub in the Ericaceae family, along with rhododendrons and azaleas. There are many cultivars of this plant native to eastern Asia. Flaming Silver pieris offers:
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Deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet tall and wide Upright when young, spreading with age.
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New leaves emerge bright pinkish-red, fading to white with dark green edges. Provides year-round interest.
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Clusters of small, bell-shaped white flowers bloom in early spring. Fragrant and attractive to bees.
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Does well in zones 5-8. Prefers cool climates with mild summers.
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Once established, has average water needs and is fairly low maintenance.
With proper placement and care, Flaming Silver makes a stellar focal point in shady beds and mixed borders.
Selecting the Best Location
Choosing the right spot is key to success with Flaming Silver pieris. Here are some location tips:
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Plant in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid hot afternoon sun.
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Provide afternoon shade in warmer zones like 7-8. Morning sun is okay.
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Shelter from strong winds which can damage leaves and buds.
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Situate near acidic, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
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Allow for mature size of 4-6 feet tall and wide. Leave ample breathing room.
Take note of sunlight patterns and plan for size before planting this pieris. Protect it from harsh elements.
Ideal Soil Conditions
Like other ericaceous shrubs, Flaming Silver pieris needs acidic soil with these features:
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Loamy texture with high organic content for drainage and moisture retention.
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pH between 4.5-6. Use an acidifying fertilizer if needed to lower pH.
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Even moisture but not constantly soggy. Mulch to conserve water.
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Good aeration from peat moss, pine needles, bark chips or compost worked into soil.
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Apply acidic fertilizer for rhododendrons and azaleas in early spring.
Testing soil and adjusting pH prior to planting gives this shrub the best root environment for healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Pieris japonica Flaming Silver has moderate water requirements:
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Water 1-2 times per week during the first year after planting. Establish deep roots.
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After establishment, water when top few inches of soil become dry. About 1″ of water per week.
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Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Increase water in summer during active growth and flowering periods.
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Reduce water in winter but don’t let root zone dry out completely.
Providing ample water while young but scaling back as the plant matures prevents issues like leaf burn or root disease.
Proper Fertilization
Apply fertilizer to Flaming Silver pieris in early spring as growth resumes:
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Use acidic fertilizer formulated for azaleas, rhododendrons and other ericaceous plants.
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Apply as a top dressing around the base, following product label rates.
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Alternatively, use compost tea or fish emulsion every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
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Discontinue fertilizing after mid-summer to allow wood to harden off before winter.
The right fertilizer acidifies soil, provides nutrients, and spurs lush leaf and flower growth. Never use generic or alkaline fertilizer.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Prune Flaming Silver pieris at these key times:
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After flowering in spring, remove spent blooms and shape as needed.
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In late fall to early winter, prune to remove dead or damaged growth.
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For mature plants, thin old stems at base to encourage new growth. Avoid shearing.
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To control size, cut tallest branches back by 1/3 their length after blooming.
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Disinfect pruning tools between cuts to avoid disease spread.
Timely, careful pruning maximizes flowers, maintains an elegant form, and keeps this shrub healthy.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Like most plants, pieris may encounter a few issues. Watch for these potential problems:
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Leaves browning or curling – Usually a sign of too little water. Check soil moisture.
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Sparse flowers – Often caused by too much shade. Move to a sunnier location.
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Leaf drop – Can indicate overly wet soil. Let the root zone dry out.
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Wilting leaves – Could mean damaged roots from overwatering. Don’t let soil stay soggy.
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White powdery substance on leaves – Powdery mildew fungus due to poor air circulation. Improve airflow.
Adjust care to tackle any problems promptly. Proper culture prevents most issues with Flaming Silver.
Enjoying this Eye-Catching Shrub
With striking variegation, graceful shape, and early season blooms, Pieris japonica Flaming Silver brings four season beauty to partially shaded gardens. Meet its preferences for well-drained, acidic soil as well as even moisture. Select a site with afternoon shade, especially in hotter zones. With proper care, this Japanese pieris will thrive, lighting up shady planting beds with its colorful foliage.
Pruning
Regular deadheading of spent flowers will keep this plant from setting seed, which encourages continued blooming. Generally speaking, additional pruning is usually unnecessary, as the plant is quite attractive in its natural state. But if a shrub isn’t doing well or is prone to fungal disease, you might want to prune it more carefully every couple of years. Begin by removing any damaged or diseased branches, using sharp loppers. Cuts should be made about 1/2 inch above a leaf bud. Then, trim off the top of the shrub to the desired height. Next, cut off up to a quarter of the inner branches to let air and light into the middle. Finish up by shaping the outside of the plant to the desired shape.
Overwintering
Garden shrubs don’t need any extra protection in the winter as long as they are grown in the recommended hardiness range. Container-grown shrubs will benefit from moving them into a sheltered location, especially in zones 4, 5, and 6.
Japanese Pieris ‘Flaming Silver’ | Pieris japonica | Evergreen Shrub
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