Pieris japonica 'PASSION'^®

Lily of the valley shrubs are very popular ericaceous plants with attractive foliage and abundant flowering.

Passion^® is a new variety from Holland. The intention was to breed a new plant that will show more reliable flowering of deep red colour and will be healthier. Only introduced in 2006 this plant is a winner. It is a cross between pieris japonica and pieris japonica Valley Valentine.

The flowers are held more or less upright in long racemes. The colour of the flowers is bright red-purple, while the buds, which appear in autumn of the previous year, are deep burgundy red and make the plant even more attractive in winter time. Blooming time is March or April, weather conditions pending, about 4 weeks.

Evergreen leaves are lanceolate, mid green and glossy. Passion variety grows medium slow and forms 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 10-12-2008