Pieris japonica 'Prelude' - Prelude Andromeda

Dramatically smaller than the species, this rare gem features prominent chains of white bell-shaped flowers atop a mounded plant, new foliage emerges tinged pink; perfect for the border or a rock garden, performs best in moist, organic and acidic soils

Height: 18 inches. Spread: 18 inches. Sun: full sun to partial shade. Hardiness zone: 5a.

Ornamental features

Prelude Japanese Pieris features dainty chains of white bell-shaped flowers hanging below the branches from early to mid spring. It has attractive dark green evergreen foliage which emerges pink in spring. The small glossy narrow leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape

Prelude Japanese Pieris is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Mass Planting, Rock/Alpine Gardens, Border Edging, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Prelude Japanese Pieris will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.