Re: Pieris
- Subject: Re: [SG] Pieris
- From: E*@AOL.COM
- Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 22:39:49 EDT
In a message dated 7/13/04 12:18:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
kitt@KABOODLE.COM writes:
> I'm on my third attempt at Pieris Japonica,
On a UK trip not too long ago we were at Wakefield which is (they get
allmixed up in your mind) Wisley out in the country, I think, the Pieris japonica
cultivars were so stunning that they drew crowds.
The new May foliage is so flaming red and the large bushy shrubs so perfectly
green one thinks it is some tropical plant. That part of the UK is around
zones 7/8 more or less. Upon looking closely we knew, just knew intuitively
that that plant would not grow in upstate New York, not even try. So if you can
grow the japonica cv's with spring red foliage go out and try again.
Some kind of Pieris grows around here in the suburbs or along the river but
not this type. What I have seen looks like a second rate mountain laurel. I
have a Hillier's guide with a few pix though I think the named varieties are
usually different here. Hillier says an acidic soil though those I see around
in foundation planting are not the plants of gardeners. The flowers are not
primary, the spring foliage is the reason for growing Pieris japonica. If this
will not grow in the US that is our loss. Some plant shops around here are
doing a great business in Pieris by labeling it deerproof, a substitute for the
lost rhododendrons.
Claire Peplowski
NYS zone 4
