Pieris japonica 'LITTLE HEATH GREEN'

Growers and fans of lily-of-the-valley shrubs probably know Little Heath variety, but few of them know that there was a selection made some time ago with only green foliage. In my view it is much more elegant since there is no variegation to disturb its beautiful green colour.

Little Heath Green pieris is a very slow grower with small, widely elliptic, evergreen leaves that emerge coppery red and orange. It grows slowly, forming an irregular mound with erect new branches which develop into horizontal layers with age. It seldom flowers (almost never). Pruning such a slow growing plant is a waste of time unless you want to make a bonsai of it, which will turn this tiny jewel into another dimension. Still, if you think that a smooth and regular shape is better you can clip it any time from mid to late spring.

Ericaceous plants require soil that is light, acidic, and constantly moist (not wet). If your garden soil is too heavy do not dig a deep hole but make a shallow and wide bed topped up with a good mixture of peat, fine bark chips, and leaf (forest) litter. Keep the soil moist by mulching. Slow-release fertilizers are advised. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 17-01-2012