Pieris japonica grows best in a cool climate, with mildly acidic soil. It loves dappled shade. For this reason, gardens in the upper Blue Mountains suit it perfectly. It has racemes of pearly white or pink flowers that resemble lily-of-the-valley.
Here is my white flowering shrub, growing under Japanese maples. It benefits from the fallen leaves of the maples and begins flowering in late winter.
That round, mauve coloured glass vase seems to suit the trailing flowers.
Here it is on the sideboard in an old, preserved ginger pot.
Nectar of Pieris japonica is much loved by the honey eating birds, especially silvereyes and the Lewins honeyeater.
THE SWEET SILVEREYE SIPPING NECTAR
Here is the lovely Lewins honeyeater taking his turn.
The flowers were once heavily used in bridal bouquets. They don’t have a perfume, but the delicate racemes make a delightful complement to fragrant roses.
Look at this bonsaied plant….so pretty. It’s about ten years old in the photograph, and was featured in the Australian Women’s Weekly.
‘Hero’ plants are those that provide beauty over an extended period. Pieris japonica qualifies due to its attractive new foliage.
FOR MORE ON GROWING PIERIS JAPONICA, CLICK HERE.
