Pieris japonica var. yakushimanum 'Prelude'
DWARF LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY SHRUB
syn. Andromeda japonica 'Prelude', Pieris taiwanensis 'Prelude'
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: pee-AIR-iss juh-PON-ih-kuh
Quick Jumps
Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Shrubs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2b-9, 14-17.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Heat zones: 8-6.
Mature size:
Height: 2-3 feet (.60-.90 m).
Width: 2-3 feet (.60-.90 m).
Flowering period:
April-May.
Flowering attributes:
Pendulous panicles of fragrant, small, pure white, urn-shaped flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Evergreen, 3-inch-long, glossy green leaves with pink new growth that lasts for weeks.
Growth habit:
Mounded, compact.
Light:
Full sun to light shade.
Soil:
Acidic, humus rich, moist but well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost in spring.
Propagation methods:
Take cuttings in summer.
Pruning methods:
Minimal pruning is needed at most.
Pests and diseases:
Susceptible to leaf spot.
Rainy Side Notes
This sweet little evergreen shrub stands about two feet tall by two feet wide and looks good all year long. New growth is pink and fades to deep green. Flowering later than other pieris, in spring 'Prelude' covers itself in pure white, urn-shaped blossoms, a real standout against the leaves.
My own specimen grows on top of a short rock wall, but it would be at home in a rock garden. It is a beautiful shrub all year round and an excellent choice for a small garden, or as a short evergreen hedge, edging the garden.
As with most shrubs in the Ericaceae family, Pieris japonicas grows best in low ph soil, making this carefree shrub a perfect choice for our native Northwest soils that are typically acidic. It tolerates salt spray, and is a good candidate for planting along the coast as well as other Pieris.
Use caution with small children or pets; this shrub is poisonous.
Photographed in author's garden.
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton