Pieris japonica 'Sarabande'

Description: The small green leaves of this compact shrub make a fresh evergreen with a rounded habit.  In spring the young growth is bronzy red coloured and at the same time the pretty clusters of small bell shaped fragrant white flowers are produced freely and cover the bush.

Uses: This compact form is perfect for patio planters or the front of a partly shaded shrub or woodland border.

Climate / Position: Best in light/partial shade, sheltered from cold winds and early morning sun.

Height / Spread: Height 1 metre x spread 1.2 metre

Soil Requirements: Plant in humus rich, well drained, acidic / ericaceous soil. Mulch in winter with leaf mould

Pruning: No pruning required.

Special Requirements: Pieris are shallow rooted and do not like being planted too deeply. Plant in a sheltered spot sheltered from cold winds and early morning sun as they flower better in dappled shade.

Additional Interest: This is a genus of Ericaceous flowering plants from Asia and North America, classified in 1834 by David Don, 1799-1841. He named the genus after the Pierides or nine muses of mythology. The parent plant P. japonica was first collected and described by noted physician Carl Thunberg while working for the Dutch East India Company in Japan and was introduced in 1784 as Andromeda japonica and .  It was introduced under P. japonica to the west in England by 1870 as the most cold hardy of all species. Pieres japonica are also native to eastern China and Taiwan.