Pieris japonica Flaming Silver - Japanese Andromeda

Pieris japonica 'Flaming Silver' is a variety of the dwarf, acid-loving hybrid Andromeda, with exceptional ornamental qualities, both in the garden and in pots. This bushy, slightly upright shrub has magnificent variegated evergreen, glossy dark green foliage edged with creamy white. Its young spring shoots, initially pink, gradually turn fiery red, creating a wonderful contrast with the mature leaves. Particularly floriferous, in spring this variety displays feathery blooms in cascades of long, creamy-white, lightly scented panicles. Illuminating semi-shaded areas of the garden or terrace, this Andromeda offers a charming and colourful show all year round! 

Pieris japonica, commonly called Lily of the valley bush, is native to eastern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It belongs to the Ericaceae family. The rather slow-growing 'Flaming Silver' cultivar, is a compact, upright bushy shrub, about 1 m 25 (3ft 4 in) in height and 80 cm (31.5 in) in spread at maturity. It has superb evergreen foliage, composed of long shiny, lanceolate and pointed leaves, with slightly toothed edges, up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long. Young shoots are a magnificent pink to scarlet-red, turning dark green with a creamy-white edge as they mature. Clusters of deep pink flower buds appear in early winter, adding to the decorative effect of the splendid foliage of this pieris to brighten up a dreary winter. In April-May, it is covered with a multitude of pendulous clusters, 10 to 15 cm (3.9 - 5.9 in) long, made up of delicate, creamy-white bells reminiscent of lily of the valley flowers. Pollen-rich, the flowers exude a sweet honey fragrance.

Pieris japonica are hardy shrubs, thriving in moist, acidic soil and semi-shade. Slow-growing and extremely decorative throughout the seasons, this 'Flaming Silver' Pieris japonica is perfectly suited for growing in pots, on a semi-shaded terrace, patio or balcony.  It will also thrive under the canopy of tall trees, alongside partially shaded shrubs, as a low hedge, in a shady rockery, and especially in an ericaceous bed, in the company of other acid-loving plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, heather... With its richly coloured foliage and generous, fragrant flowers, it will be a sensation when combined with spring bulbs. This lily of the valley bush will be a beautiful asset in any garden at any time of year, even in winter. There's no better place for it than in a Japanese-style garden!