Pieris japonica Passion - Japanese Andromeda

Pieris japonica 'Passion' is a new variety, unique for its almost red blooms, a colour rarely seen in these shrubs. They appear in abundance in early spring, in the form of beautiful pendulous clusters of dark pink, enhanced by dark green glossy foliage, preceded by young shoots in shades of red and pink that are as decorative as the flowers. Interesting all year round, this small, evergreen shrub is particularly suited to container growing and small gardens. Illuminating semi-shaded areas of the garden or terrace, this pieris offers a charming and colourful show throughout the year! 

Pieris japonica, commonly known as Lily of the valley bush, is native to eastern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It belongs to the Ericaceae family. The 'Passion' cultivar, a superb improvement on the 'Valley Valentine' variety, has a more upright habit and more upright flowers, less hidden under the mass of foliage. It was bred in 1999 in the Netherlands. Its grows fairly slowly, eventually forming a dense, upright, and compact shrub, on average 1m (3.28 ft) in height by 80cm (31.5 in) in spread. It has beautiful evergreen foliage, composed of long, shiny, lanceolate, and pointed leaves with slightly toothed edges, measuring up to 10cm (3.9 in) long. The young shoots are coppery red, then the leaves become dark green. The clusters of floral buds, dark pink, appear from early winter, enhancing the decorative effect of pieris during the dreary winter. In March-April, it is covered with a multitude of pendulous clusters, 10 to 15cm (3.9 - 5.9 in) long, composed of delicate bell-shaped flowers, purplish pink, reminiscent of lily of the valley. Pollen-laden, the flowers exude a sweet honey fragrance.

Pieris japonica are hardy shrubs, thriving in moist, acidic soil and semi-shade. Slow-growing and extremely decorative throughout the seasons, this 'Passion' Pieris japonica is perfectly suited to growing in pots, on a semi-shaded terrace, patio or balcony.  It will also thrive under the canopy of tall trees, alongside partially shaded shrubs, as a low hedge, in a shady rockery, and especially in an ericaceous bed, in the company of other acid-loving plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Nandina, heather... With its generous, colourful flowers, it will be a sensation when combined with spring bulbs. This lily of the valley bush will be a beautiful asset in any garden at any time of year, even in winter. There's no better place for it than in a Japanese-style garden!