Pieris, also known as lily of the valley shrub, is a charming and versatile plant for the cooler districts of Australia. There are many different varieties of pieris around with different combinations of flower and leaf colour. Some have variegated leaves while others have lovely, soft, pinky-red foliage. There are low shrubs under one metre tall, and other forms which grow three metres or more high and make excellent screening plants or small trees.
One of the most popular varieties of pieris is ‘Christmas Cheer’, a tall shrub or small tree (between 2-3 metres or 6-10′ tall) with white to deep pink flowers. It is a variety of Pieris japonica, as are many of the most commonly grown varieties of pieris.
Plant details
Common name: Lily of the Valley shrub or Pearl Bush. The plant’s firm, waxy white flowers are reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria). It is also known as pearly flower and andromeda.
Botanic name: Pieris japonica. The genus name Pieris is from Pieria, a district on the slopes of Mt Olympus in Greece. Pieria is the birthplace of the mythological Muses (all daughters of Jupiter). The species name ‘japonica’ means from Japan and refers to the origin of this species.
Best climate: Pieris grow well in the cooler regions of Australia, from Sydney to Perth and areas south but are at their best in the mountains, Tasmania and parts of Victoria. They like similar conditions to azaleas or camellias, that is well-drained, slightly acid soil and filtered light.
Best look: Massed together or grown in a mixed planting under trees or against a wall. As cut flowers, pieris is popular in wedding bouquets.
Good points:
Pretty drooping late winter to early spring flowers in colours ranging from ivory white to deep pinky red and almost purple. Some varieties have extremely long graceful tassels. Hint: As there is considerable variation in plants sold at nurseries, even among named cultivars, compare plants to select the colour, tassel length and other features you prefer.
Many varieties have coloured new growth. An example is ‘Bert Chandler’, an Australian-raised hybrid, which has red new growth. Others have variegated leaves; for example ‘Variegata’ has green leaves with a creamy white margin.
Smaller forms grow well in pots.
The irregular shape of the plant can be enjoyed as a feature.
Likes:
Moist, lime-free, humus-rich soils.
Good drainage.
Part shade to sun.
Position which is sheltered from wind and frost.
Hates:
Young foliage and early flowers are vulnerable to frost damage.
Hot conditions – mulch well in spring and summer to keep roots cool and moist.
Care:
Water regularly, do not allow to dry out.
Use an organic mulch such as leafmould to help the plant retain moisture and to keep roots cool.
Remove any frost damaged growth in spring.
Deadhead pieris after flowering has finished – these plants should not need any other form of pruning.
Other species
As well as Pieris japonica there are other species of pieris that are sold at nurseries. A tall-growing, spring flowering species is Pieris formosa, which grows to 4m (12′) and comes from western China and the Himalayas. A form of this is P. formosa var. forestii, which is smaller than the species with crimson flame-like new growth and panicles of flowers.
Availability
Plants are available at most garden centres in southern Australia and mountain districts all year round. Nurseries specialising in rare or cool climate plants should have a comprehensive range of pieris varieties.
Plant finder
These plants may be new to many gardeners and a new book by Margaret Hibbert helps you to locate them and many other plantings throughout south-eastern Australia.
The Aussie Plant Finder 1997/98 by Margaret Hibbert (Florilegium, 1997). ISBN 0958649898. Contact your local bookstore or Florilegium on (02) 9555 8589. Rrp $19.95.
