What soil does Japanese pieris grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic.

Is Japanese pieris hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Japanese pieris be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Japanese pieris flower?

Flowering: March–May, white, pink.

How much water does Japanese pieris need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Japanese pieris cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 4,300 to HUF 11,000 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese pieris

Pieris japonica

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) is a shrub. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about HUF 4,300.

Illustration of Japanese pieris — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing evergreen shrub with scented white or pink sprays in spring that recall lily of the valley, and new shoots that are bright red or bronze on many varieties. It only stays handsome in acidic, humus-rich, evenly moist soil, just like a rhododendron, so on limy ground keep it in a tub of ericaceous compost instead. Give it part shade and shelter from wind, and bear in mind that every part of it is highly poisonous.

Watch out for

In Central Europe limy, alkaline soil is the main obstacle: there the leaves turn yellow and the plant slowly fails, and it is best watered with soft water or rainwater. It copes badly with hot, dry summers and weakens in full sun, while late frosts scorch the colourful new shoots and the flower buds. Lace bugs sucking on the leaf undersides are a common pest and leave the foliage speckled yellow; in waterlogged soil Phytophthora root and crown rot kills it.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, white, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	2.4–3.7 m × 1.8–2.4 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	March–May, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about HUF 4,300

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 4,300 – HUF 11,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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