Pieris japonica — Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub / Japanese Andromeda

Pieris japonica in full flower, March 2026

Photo: March 20, 2026 at 14:16 — cascading clusters of pink urn-shaped flowers in full display, with dark glossy evergreen foliage. Large conifers visible behind.

*Pieris japonica* is one of the finest spring-flowering shrubs for a Pacific Northwest garden. The long, drooping panicles of small bell-shaped flowers (resembling lily-of-the-valley) appear in late winter to early spring, often before most other things are blooming. The foliage is an added attraction: new growth emerges in brilliant shades of red, bronze, or copper before maturing to glossy dark green.

• Type: Evergreen shrub, family Ericaceae
• Flowers: Small urn-shaped flowers in drooping panicles; white to deep pink depending on cultivar; February–April
• Foliage: Glossy dark green; new growth colourful (red/bronze/cream depending on variety)
• Size: Typically 2–4 m tall and wide; slow-growing
• Form: Rounded, layered habit
• Toxic: All parts are toxic if ingested — keep away from livestock and pets

• Flower buds set in autumn and are visible through winter — avoid late frosts which can damage buds
• Excellent companion for Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other acid-loving plants
• The cultivar in this garden appears to have mid-pink flowers
• Mulching with bark or pine needles maintains soil acidity and moisture

• Monkey Puzzle Strip — area overview
• Camellia japonica
• Monkey Puzzle Tree