Origin: Despite its name, the Japanese andromeda is not actually native to Japan. It is native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it grows in mountain thickets .
Description: The Japanese andromeda is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree that typically grows to 9-12 feet tall with a spread of 6-8 feet. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are obovate to oblanceolate in shape, with serrated margins. New growth emerges a conspicuous bronze or red, eventually turning green. It blooms in early to late spring with drooping trusses of fragrant, white or pink urn-shaped flowers about 10 cm long hanging from the tips of the branches.
Cultivation: The Japanese andromeda is a popular ornamental plant that is widely cultivated in gardens. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil and full sun to part shade. It is also tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for planting in many climates.
Varieties: There are a number of cultivars of Pieris japonica available, with variations in flower color, foliage color, and size.
Some popular cultivars include:
'Forest Flame': This cultivar has new growth that emerges a fiery red and matures to a deep green.
'Mountain Fire': This cultivar has new growth that emerges a bright orange and matures to a green with a bronze tinge.
'Variegated': This cultivar has green leaves with white margins.
Toxicity: Be aware that all parts of the Japanese andromeda are toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.
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