If ever you are inclined to think evergreen plants are boring, take a look at Pieris Forest Flame. Glossy deep or mid green leaves. The young leaves opening in April are a bright almost luminous red. Come May these new leaves turn a pale cream, very unusual. Also in late spring you get panicles of white flowers resembling those of Lily Of The Valley.
A west facing aspect is best for this slow growing shrub, as the early morning sun can scorch the new leaves. Your Pieris will reach to about six feet, but it is going to take around fifteen years to reach this height.
Like rhododendrons, Pieris also prefer an acidic soil, when planting add an ericaceous compost, and also top dress with this every second year. There are also a number of other Pieris variety’s, some dwarf and others with variegated foliage. All have young leaves which vary in colour, depending on the variety, but none as bright as Forest Flame.
Hardiness = Fully hardy
Position = Sun/part shade
© 2009 – 2010, Alistair. All rights reserved.
