Pieris Mountain Fire

Pieris japonca Mountain Fire

Why Buy Me?

• Bright red foliage in early spring
• Masses of flowers
• Plant in acid soil or with ericaceous compost

Growing Conditions

• Light:
  Partial shade to full sun. Prefers light dappled shade, especially in hotter areas. Too much direct sun may scorch young foliage.

• Soil:
  Moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Avoid alkaline or chalky soils. Enrich with organic matter such as leaf mould or ericaceous compost.

• Exposure:
  Sheltered position recommended. Protect from cold, drying winds and late spring frosts that can damage young shoots and flower buds.

• Drought Tolerance:
  Low. Requires consistently moist soil. Do not allow to dry out, especially in containers or exposed areas.

Cultivation & Care

• Planting Time:
  Spring or early autumn, in mild and moist soil conditions.

• Spacing:
  Space 1–1.5 metres (3–5 feet) apart depending on mature size and design intentions.

• Watering & Fertilization:
  Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Feed with an ericaceous (acid-loving) fertilizer in spring and again after flowering.

• Mulching & Pruning:
  Mulch annually in spring with bark, pine needles, or composted leaves to retain moisture and support acidity. Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove spent blooms.

• Propagation:
  Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer using rooting hormone for best success.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring:
  Striking fiery red new foliage emerges, maturing to glossy dark green. White, bell-shaped flowers bloom in cascading clusters in early to mid-spring.

• Summer:
  Mature foliage remains dense and glossy green, forming a tidy evergreen shrub.

• Autumn:
  Occasional flushes of colourful new growth may occur in warm autumns. Foliage maintains its glossy appearance.

• Winter:
  Evergreen. Holds strong architectural form and foliage colour through winter months.

Wildlife & Garden Use

• Wildlife:
  Flowers attract early bees and other pollinators. Dense growth provides cover for small birds and insects.

• Garden Use:
  Ideal for woodland gardens, acid-loving borders, foundation planting, or large containers (use ericaceous compost). Works well as a specimen shrub or part of a mixed evergreen scheme.

• Companion Plants:
  Combines beautifully with Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, Skimmia, Heucheras, and Ferns. Adds contrast to Hostas and spring-flowering bulbs in shaded areas.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Pieris japonica Mountain Fire. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.