Pieris formosa var. forrestii - Himalayan Andromeda

The Formosa Andromeda (Pieris formosa) is a magnificent evergreen acidophilous bush for "jungle" or exotic style gardens. It is appreciated for its bright red young leaves in spring and its beautiful clusters of trailing white flowers. This species, much less common than the Japanese Andromeda, thrives in semi-shaded areas of the garden, in humus-bearing and moist soil, with large Rhododendrons, for example.

The Pieris belong to the heather family, just like heathers and rhododendrons. They are humus-bearing bush species, or at least prefer non-calcareous soils, rich in organic matter (humus), not too dry but not waterlogged.

The Pieris formosa is a botanical species native to the mountains of Asia, particularly from Yunnan in China and the Himalayas. This slow-growing bush reaches a height of 3 to 4 meters with a width of approximately 1.8 meters at maturity. It bears evergreen, decorative foliage even in winter. In spring, its young shoots emerge in a coppery red hue before turning dark green. The leaves are long, measuring between 8 and 18 cm, with finely toothed edges. In April, the bush produces numerous small bell-shaped white flowers, clustered in long trailing panicles, which beautifully contrast with the foliage. This bush is hardy down to -15°C once mature, but it needs protection from strong winds. Its growth can be damaged from -11°C, especially in young specimens. However, it is much less cold-resistant than its close relative, Pieris japonica.

The Formosa Andromeda is a beautiful plant for large "heather soil" beds or flowering hedges in slightly sheltered gardens. For creating beautiful contrasts, it can be paired with plants like Rhododendron loderi 'King George', Chinese Azalea, Arborescent Hydrangea 'Hills of Snow' or even Autumn Camellias, which share similar soil and exposure requirements.