Pieris japonica Pink passion - Japanese Andromeda

The Japanese Andromeda or Pieris japonica 'Pink Passion', following the wonderful cultivar 'Passion', is a recently obtained variety from the Netherlands, awarded in 2013. It is part of a series of sturdy and bushy shrubs with abundant flowering in early spring. Easy to grow in any acidic and moist soil, this vigorous variety displays beautiful flowering in upright clusters of delicate pink bells, and an evergreen foliage of elegant bright green. Stunning in a large pot on the terrace or in a shrub border, always in partial shade.  

Pieris belong to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons. They are evergreen shrubs for acidic soil whose new shoots take on pink or coppery tones, accompanied by beautiful flowering in clusters of often fragrant small bells. Very easy when the conditions are met, they appreciate a light, moist and acidic soil, in a partially shaded site - or sunny as long as it is not scorching sun. The varieties derived from Pieris japonica are quite hardy once established.

The 'Pink Passion' variety of  Japanese Andromeda has a fairly compact form with a slightly upright bushy habit, reaching about  1.20m (4 ft) in height and 1m (3 ft) in spread at maturity. Its small lanceolate leaves are quite dark green and glossy on their upper surface. They follow tender green spring shoots. The pale pink blooms washed with purple, slightly fragrant and composed of rather upright clusters filled with a multitude of small bells, are preceded by very decorative pink buds in winter. Flowering takes place from March to April.

Slow-growing, 'Pink Passion' does not require pruning, demands very little maintenance, and will be perfect for small gardens whether in pots and containers, rockeries, or as a border plant. A superb and essential evergreen shrub for acidic soil, with the same charm as heathers without their slightly austere appearance once flowering is over, it will naturally and elegantly blend with Rhododendrons and deciduous Azaleas, surrounded by a border of hellebores, ferns and Pernettya.