Pieris japonica 'KATSURA' lily of the valley
Pieris
Lily-of-the-valley shrubs are very popular ericaceous plants with attractive foliage and abundant flowering.
Vase-shaped flowers are very light pink and hang on red stamens in long, pendent racemes. Katsura is the darkest variety with deep burgundy red new leaves, which turn dark green in summer. It grows medium slowly, forming a compact shrub with equal height and spread. No pruning required. If you want to trim it do so after flowering which is usually end of April.
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. Expected hardiness is about -27°C (USDA zone 5b).
Last update 19-01-2009
