Pieris

New Zealand’s Best Pieris Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Lily Of The Valley Bush plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Pieris, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Pieris

1. Which is the best Pieris?

Determining the "best" Pieris depends on individual preferences and garden conditions. However, some of the most popular and highly regarded Pieris varieties include:

• Pieris 'Forest Flame': This variety is known for its striking red new foliage that emerges in spring. The flowers are white and appear in drooping clusters. 'Forest Flame' is a hardy shrub that grows to about 2 m tall and wide.
• Pieris 'Mountain Fire': Similar to 'Forest Flame,' 'Mountain Fire' has vibrant red new foliage in spring. The flowers are white and appear in pendulous clusters. 'Mountain Fire' is a slightly smaller shrub than 'Forest Flame,' growing to about 1.2 m tall and wide.
• Pieris 'Valley Valentine': This variety is prized for its rosy-red flowers that appear in early spring. The foliage is evergreen and dark green. 'Valley Valentine' is a compact shrub that grows to about 1 m tall and wide.
• Pieris 'Wakehurst': This variety is known for its large, white flowers that appear in early spring. The foliage is evergreen and dark green. 'Wakehurst' is a larger shrub than the other varieties mentioned, growing to about 2 m tall and wide.
• Pieris 'Purity': This variety features pure white flowers that appear in early spring. The foliage is evergreen and dark green. 'Purity' is a small shrub that grows to about 1 m tall and wide.

These are just a few of the many beautiful and versatile Pieris varieties available.

2. Is Pieris a fast grower?

Pieris is not a fast grower. It is a slow-growing shrub that typically grows 20 cm per year. This means that it may take several years for a Pieris to reach its mature size. However, its slow growth rate is part of its appeal, as it means that it requires minimal pruning and maintenance.

Here are some tips for caring for Pieris and encouraging it to grow:

• Plant Pieris in a cool, shady location. Pieris prefers moist, acidic soil and does not tolerate hot, dry conditions.
• Water Pieris regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
• Mulch around Pieris to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. A layer of organic mulch, such as bark or wood chips, is ideal.
• Feed Pieris in spring with a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer is a good option.
• Prune Pieris lightly in the spring to remove dead or damaged branches. Do not prune too heavily, as this will slow the plant.

3. How do you grow Pieris NZ?

Growing Pieris in New Zealand is a rewarding experience, as these shrubs add beauty and elegance to any garden. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to cultivate Pieris successfully:

1. Pieris prefer partial shade to full sun. Select a planting site that receives filtered sunlight and has well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
2. Prepare the planting site by digging a hole twice the width of the Pieris' root ball. Place the shrub in the hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring the root ball is at ground level. Water thoroughly after planting.
3. Pieris require regular watering, especially during the first year of planting and during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In hot, dry weather, water deeply once or twice a week. As the shrub matures, watering can be reduced, but still provide regular moisture.
4. Mulching around the base of the Pieris with organic material like bark chips, wood chips, or compost helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of mulch about 50-75 mm thick, ensuring it doesn't touch the stem directly.
5. Pieris benefit from a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to root burn.
6. Pruning: Pieris generally require minimal pruning. After flowering, lightly prune to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Avoid excessive pruning, as this can slow the plant and reduce flowering.
7. Pests and Diseases: Pieris are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but keep an eye out for common problems like aphids, scale insects, and fungal diseases.
8. Pieris are hardy plants that can tolerate some winter cold. However, in colder regions, protect the plants from frost damage.

4. Is Pieris the same as Andromeda?

Pieris is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Ericaceae. This family also includes the genus Andromeda, which is sometimes used as a synonym for Pieris. In fact, some species of Pieris were formerly classified as Andromeda.

The two genera are closely related and share many similarities. They are both shrubs or small trees with evergreen leaves and white or pink flowers. However, there are a few key differences between the two genera.

• Flowers: Pieris flowers are generally bell-shaped or nodding, while Andromeda flowers are more open and cup-shaped.
• Stamens: Pieris flowers have 8-10 stamens, while Andromeda flowers have 5 stamens.
• Fruit: The fruit of Pieris is a capsule that splits open to release seeds, while the fruit of Andromeda is a berry.

Based on these differences, Pieris and Andromeda are now considered to be separate genera. However, the two names are still sometimes used interchangeably.

5. Where is the best place to plant Pieris?

The best place to plant Pieris depends on your climate and garden conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Pieris is best suited to cool, temperate climates. They can tolerate some heat, but they will prefer partial shade to full sun in hot, dry conditions.
• Pieris prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
• They like to be kept moist, but not soggy.
• Pieris is not tolerant of poor drainage. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may need to amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.

Some specific locations you may want to plant Pieris include: woodland gardens, cottage gardens, shaded borders, raised bed gardens, or in a large pot.

6. Do Pieris lose their leaves in winter?

Pieris are evergreen plants, and their colourful foliage is one of their most attractive features.