Pieris japonica II / Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub

Pieris japonica ‘Cupido’ – A compact cultivar whose burgundy-red flower buds are just as attractive as the pure white spring blooms that follow. These are held over dark green foliage which emerges a coppery-red in spring. This evergreen shrub is floriferous and bound to attract the bees to your garden. ‘Cupido’ grows 3′ tall and is hardy to zone 6.

Pieris japonica’Christmas Cheer’ – While not in bloom at Christmas, this lovely cultivar has large pendulous clusters of soft cherry-pink blooms (with darker tips), starting in early spring. Like most Lily-of-the-Valley shrubs it prefers part sun, but can tolerate full sun on the coast with even soil moisture. The new growth is coppery-red and it grows 4-6′ high. Hardy to zone 6.

Pieris japonica ‘Brookside Miniature’ – An unusual dwarf form of Pieris with congested glossy green foliage held on very erect, almost rope-like shoots. ‘Brookside Miniature’ has pink flower buds that open to small clusters of pure white flowers in early spring. This is a good choice for rockeries or sheltered containers. Grows 2 to 3′ high and 2′ wide. Hardy to zone 6.

Pieris japonica ‘Bonfire’ – A constantly changing compact cultivar which I think should be used more often. The deep maroon flower buds are held over glossy, dark green foliage and open to pure white flowers with contrasting burgundy-red stems from March to May (depending on location). The new growth is also an attractive burgundy-red. Grows 3-4′ high and is hardy to zone 6.

Pieris japonica ‘Valley Rose’ – This is a very erect or upright form of Lily-of-the-Valley shrub and due to its floriferous nature, will attract both native and honey bees. The two-toned flowers (pink and white) are held in huge pendulous clusters, often smothering this evergreen shrub. The new growth is a beautiful bronze, maturing to dark green. Grows 6-8′ high and hardy to zone 6.