Pieris japonica Katsura - Japanese Andromeda

Pieris japonica 'Katsura' is a new, small-growing variety of Japanese origin, with exceptional decorative qualities, ideal for small spaces, both in the garden and in pots. This dwarf, dense and rounded bush forms a dome and has a magnificent glossy, dark green, evergreen foliage, with young spring shoots in shades of pink and claret. A very early bloomer, it displays an avalanche of long, arching panicles in late winter and early spring, with charming little waxy, fragrant bells in a sublime shade of pink. Illuminating semi-shaded areas of the garden or terrace with its sumptuous colours, this Pieris japonica will put on a colourful and exquisitely charming show all year round! 

Pieris japonica, more commonly called Lily of the valley bush, is native to eastern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It belongs to the family of Ericaceae. The 'Katsura' cultivar developed by Japanese Yoshimichi Hirose, is a small, compact, rounded shrub, 60 cm (23.6 in) to 100 cm (39.4 in) in height and spread. It has superb evergreen foliage, composed of long, glossy, lanceolate and pointed leaves, up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long. The young shoots are a magnificent shade of pink to dark claret, becoming dark green as they age. Clusters of dark pink flower buds appear from early winter, adding to the decorative effect of the splendid foliage of this pieris during the dreary winter season. From February to April, it is covered in an avalanche of pendulous flower clusters, 10 to 15 cm (3.9 - 5.9 in) long, with delicate purple-pink bells, resembling lily of the valley flowers. Pollen-rich, the flowers exude a delicious honey fragrance.

Pieris japonica are hardy shrubs, thriving in moist, acidic soil and semi-shade. Slow-growing and extremely decorative throughout the seasons, this 'Katsura' 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 opulant, early, 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!