Pieris japonica (and bonus plant Pieris floribunda)
For years, this has been my favorite shrub for shady spots because of its 
oustanding appearance all year long. Long white flowers appear in March and April, but its evergreen foliage gets lots of attention, too, especially the new growth that appears in fabulous shades of reds.
Just this year (2007) I'm hearing gardening experts in the Mid-Atlantic area warn that global warming is NOT being kind to this plant, and one has even stopped recommending it. Say it isn't so! Maybe now's a good time to look into similar plants like the American species and Japanese-American hybrids.
Details
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The straight species can grow (slowly) to 8 or more feel tall, but many shorter varieties are available.-12 tall )
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Hardy to Zones 5-8 Japan.
- Performs best in partial shade and acid soil.
Care
- Pieris has only average drought-tolerance, so needs watering during dry periods.
- Really requires no pruning but if you do you prune, do it after flowering to avoid cutting off the buds.
- Unless your soil is already acidic, apply Hollytone or other organic fertilizer for acid-soil-loving plants every spring.
- Lacebug is a common and serious pest that sucks the sap from the leaves, yellowing them. Adequate shade, water and soil acidity reduces its vulnerability, however.
Pieris floribunda, and hybrids of the two species
Pieris floribunda, a native plant from Virginia to Georgia, is 2 to 6' tall, with a greater spread. It's harder to propagate so, not surprisingly, it's not as available as the Japanese species. However, it's more resistant to lacebug.
Woody plant expert Michael Dirr reports learning that the natives consistently die out in the Atlanta area but that hybrids (crossed with the Japanese species) do just fine there. Hybrids also offer good resistance to lacebug.
More Great Info in Print
- Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs
by the best-known authority on the subject. - Taylor's Guide to Shrubs
is another good one.
Location Matters
I grow Pieris japonica in the Washington, D.C. area, Zone 7A. If you've grown it somewhere else and have comments to add here, send 'em along.