Pieris japonica (common name Lily of the valley bush)

hi Libby, i have a huge one of these in my garden, it stands about 7ft tall and it is stunning all year round, each season like you say it really is the star, i especially like the new growth in late spring early summer, mine turns all sorts of pinks, reds and oranges - stunning!

This is really lovely...lily of the valley bush? Do you have any info on how hardy it is?

This Pieris looks lovely hope mine looks just as good,only got a few little flowers at the moment

This is a fantastic shrub. I saw a very small one the other day in a shop and thought it was a bit pricey. Looking at a full size one in your pic, then maybe it's worth it. How big do they grow?

How wonderfull to have such a stunning plant in march...................

thank you and yes this is my prize specimen, and if you think this is good you just wait until it finishes flowering and the new growth appears. the most stunning shades of red orange and hot pink, paling to peach, yellow and lime green then eventually back to the dark green. i will be sure to include some pic's! and chris they are a bit pricey but one of the best plants i know - look great all year round, every season has something to offer, evergreen and apart from the odd feed, practically maintenance free. i think this is a pretty old one it was here when we moved in, i would say that this one is approx 6ft high i don't think they get too much bigger than this. and i think they are slow growing.

There is also a dwarf pieris with variegated leaves called 'Little Heath' that only grows to about 30 inches. There a green-leafed version called 'Little Heath Green' but the varieagted one is more readily available

hi Andrew, yes i have seen both of thoughs, They are much easier and cheeper to get hold of, they had loads of little ones outside the front of QD stores the other day and i think they were about 3 -4 pounds each, i have had them before but they seem to die off really easierly.

Wonderful looking speciman, It puts mine to shame.!

Mine too Flcrazy. But mine is just a baby. I got it in 2005 fairly small for about $11 US dollars which isn't too bad. Foliage is wonderful. I don't think it's grown at all in 3 years. I can't wait for mine to look like this one ! I heard they have a pink flowered variety too.
Majeekahead, looking forward to more photos of this one !

This one has pink flowers? So you have 2 pieris Majeekahead?

Lori, if your zones are like ours, my book says they're good in zone 6-8.

Thanks Diohio i will keep um coming as it goes into it's real wow display - hope it's as red as last year it was truely stunning - i can see lots of new shoots starting already - so watch this space!

I asked you what this was from a garden-view photo - but now I know! This is a real 'wow' shrub. I can't grow them, as we have not got acid soil.

sorry Spritz must have missed that question! well at least now you know! why not try one of the smaller varieties in a large pot? you can choose the soil for it then!

But I keep growing things in pots! I haven't counted lately, but I have really run out of pot-space! Just for fun, I will count up how many I have tomorrow.

Great close-up, and a wonderful addition to any garden, love this shrub.

Another fantastic bonus to this shrub besides the blooms, is it's bright, colorful new growth.

thanks Fl - it is one of my favorites at the moment.

to be honest Fl, the flowers as lovely as they are are secondary for me to the new growth when it really kicks in this is still early on in the season for this plant, when it really gets going the whole thing looks like it's on fire - you just wait until i post the pics of it in about 6 weeks time, i bet quite a few of you will be rushing out to buy one! lol

I didnt no this shrub flowered Ang/Flcrazy???

yep there is no end to its appeal!

Is this evergreen2?

yes, it is Jac. all year round interest!

This is stunning I can see why its your pride and joy Are you growing this in a pot Ang ?

thanks Janette, no it is in the ground, think this one is a bit big for a pot - it's over 6ft tall! - it was here when we moved in - what a lucky find underneath all the weeds and brambles, i would think its quite old the main stem is a couple of inches thick.

Unbelievable !! Please show us when it 'catches fire' !

Sooo pretty!! I love this bush!!

A beautiful bush so much so I have now got two in my garden a mummy one and a tiny baby one.Hel.xxx.

It's very unique!I never saw such a plant in Greece,I love it!

Lovely Bush :)

good for you Hel, - you do know that they are acid lovers tho? my soil is acidic so i get away with it with very little effort, but if you have alkaline you will need to add some rhododendron compost and feed. good luck - well worth any extra effort in my opionon! and yes Jac - its my big baby! lol

Beautiful Ang :)

Just love the new leaf color, pretty as any bloom.!

Very pretty bush..........smiles