Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' (Japanese pieris 'Mountain Fire')

Botanical name

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'

Other names

Japanese pieris 'Mountain Fire', Lily of the Valley bush, Andromeda

Genus

Pieris Pieris

Variety or Cultivar

'Mountain Fire' _ 'Mountain Fire' is an evergreen shrub with shiny, ovate leaves that emerge red, then change to bronze then dark green. In spring, it bears densly packed racemes of bell-shaped, white flowers.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Compact

Toxicity

Leaves and flower nectar may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

White in Spring

Foliage

Red in Spring; Bronze in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn; Dark-green in Winter

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Lacebugs

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Phytophthora root diseases

General care

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' (Japanese pieris 'Mountain Fire') will reach a height of 4m and a spread of 3m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, City, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Containers, Woodland

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, acidic soil in sun or shade. May need protection in winter until established.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' (Japanese pieris 'Mountain Fire')

Common pest name

Andromeda lace bug; Pieris lace bug

Scientific pest name

Stephanitis takeyai

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Widespread)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Eradication was attempted 1996-2006; but pest now considered established.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/