General Description/History

There are 3 Pieris species; the one sold as Andromeda is P. japonica. Andromeda is most commonly used as a foliage, but in late winter and spring branches contain dangling chains of small (4 to 6 mm), cream to pink bell-shaped flowers. The flowers resemble Convallaria, or lily-of-the-valley, and mature to form capsules that are retained by the plant for some time. In spring, the new foliage of some varieties (eg the Australian-bred ‘Bert Chandler’) is also a beautiful pale pink to red in colour, adding to the attractive display. Branches are usually short, about 30 to 50 cm in length, and the mature leaves are lance-shaped and dark green, arranged in whorls. Leaves are up to 10 cm in length, and have a prominent mid-rib. Stems are woody.

Available: all year, red foliage and flowers are found in spring

What to look for

• Buy when the flowers are fully open and leaves a glossy green;
• Avoid bunches with flowers showing brown marks.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Recut at least 2 cm off each branch and place in water immediately.
3. Always use a preservative as this will help maintain the open flowers.
4. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The genus name Pieris is named after Pieria, a district on the slopes of Mt Olympus in Greece. Pieria is the birthplace of the mythological Muses (all daughters of Jupiter).

Pieris is also the genus name of the common Cabbage White moth.

Botanical Name: Pieris japonica

Common Names: Lily of the Valley shrub, Pearl Bush, Pieris, Andromeda

Stem Length: 30 – 60 cm

Country of Origin: Eastern and southern Asia: Japan

Available Colours: Cream, Green, Pink, Red, White

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber