Pieris japonica 'VARIEGATA'

Variegata is a coloured form of Japanese pieris. Its leaves are dark green and glossy with bright white margins which turn pink in autumn. New leaves emerge bright red. Well established plants grown under good conditions bear long racemes of small lily-of-the-valley like white flowers from March to April.

Deadhead spent flowers immediately after flowering so that the plant has enough strength to produce profusion of new shoots that will make the plant denser. Flower buds are formed in late summer and overwinter. For good maturing of them we suggest fertilizing the plant from summer until mid-autumn.

It grows at medium speed about 1.5m tall and 1m wide. It likes moist, fertile, slightly acidic soil. Mulch it well if planted in full sun. Once established it withstands temporary summer droughts. Fully hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 03-09-2008