Xela's Garden

Lily of the Valley Bush 'Forest Flame' [V]

Genus: Pieris.

Species: Pieris japonica.

Adopted 03.10 from Mother's garden, positioned in Vistabile back garden
Planted ? in container by Father

* Common Name: Lily of the valley bush
* Genus: Pieris
* Cultivar: 'Forest Flame'
* Skill Level: experienced
* Exposure: full sun, partial shade, shade
* Hardiness: half hardy
* Soil type: acidic, moist, well-drained/light
* Height: 4m
* Spread: 2m

Best in acid or neutral soils, pieris are essential spring border shrubs. Elsewhere, they will grow exceptionally well in containers of lime-free, ericaceous, compost. They are mountain forest plants, originally from the Far East, and appreciate a little shade to prevent scorching to the new shoots, and some shelter from late spring frosts, which cause similar damage. 'Forest Flame' is one of the most colourful varieties, with brilliant red, new growth, later pink and then cream, appearing at the same time as the sprays of lily of the valley flowers. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.
[Source: www.gardenersworld.com/plant-detail/PL30000211/658/lily-of-the-valley-bush ]

Pieris species are native to China, Japan and the Himalaya region. Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ is thought to be a cross between Pieris japonica and P. formosa, the former obviously being native of Japan, but also found growing wild in Taiwan and Eastern China. P.formosa is native to the Himalaya region and China.

Grown in ideal conditions, Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ may grow up to 3m x 3m.
[Source: www.plantadvice.co.uk/garden-advice/articles/shrubs/flames-of-spring/54 ]

How to grow
Sunlight:
* Full sun
* Part shade

Aspect:
* East-facing, South-facing or West-facing
* Sheltered

Cultivation:
Grows well in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but may need some protection in winter when young
Soil:
* Well-drained or Moist but well-drained
* Acid
* Loam or Sand

Propagation:
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required

Suggested planting locations and garden types:
Architectural, Banks and Slopes, City/Courtyard Gardens, Cottage/Informal Garden, Cut Flowers, Flower borders and beds, Low Maintenance or Patio/Container Plants

How to care
Pruning: Timing: Prune immediately after flowering.
Examples: Berberis, box (Buxus), Camellia, Ceanothus, Choisya, Daphne, Hypericum, Mahonia, PIERIS, Azalea (Rhododendron), Rhododendron, Viburnum tinus.
Pruning: Winter, spring and early summer-flowering evergreens such as Rhododendron and Camellia are best left unpruned except for removal of unsightly shoots and deadheading, unless some shaping is required. Do this by lightly cutting back shoots after flowering. Deadheading and removal of dead, damaged and diseased growth can be done at the same time.

Pests: Can get pieris lacebug

Diseases: May be affected by a leaf spot and Phytophthora root diseases

[Source: apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=1469 ]

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