Pieris formosa
Taiwan pieris
A large, upright, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves up to 10cm long. In spring, the young foliage is bronze, and small, white, waxy, flowers are produced in large sprays at the ends of the branches
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, tortoises): Harmful if eaten - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Pieris are compact evergreen shrubs with leathery, dark green leaves, often brightly coloured when young, and small white urn-shaped flowers borne in panicles in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya, W China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but may need some protection in winter when young
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to pieris lacebug
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Phytophthora root rot, and fungal leaf spot
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