Pieris formosana
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Lyonia ovalifolia var. lanceolata
- Phonetic Spelling
- pee-AIR-iss for-moe-SAY-nuh
- Description
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Himalayan Pieris is a broadleaf evergreen, flowering, upright shrub or small tree in the blueberry family and native to China and the Himalayas. It can mature in 10 to 12 years to a height of 26 feet with a 13 foot spread and produces sprays of small white blossoms in springtime. In spring, the young foliage is bronze then turns a glossy green. This is a common species in East Asia, but rare in cultivation outside of that environment.
Himalayan Pieris does best sited in full sun to partial shade in rich, acidic, consistently moist well-drained soils. The plant tolerates some dry sandy soil once established, but does not do well in high temperatures or humidity.
The plant spreads by root suckers and rhizomes to form colonies and left to its own devices, it can have a sprawling habit, but it does tolerate pruning. Keep in mind that next season's blossoms will appear on old growth.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
Can be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot, fungal leaf spot, and pierus lacebug.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Forrestii'
Compact, bright red leaves when young, slightly scented flowers.
- 'Forrestii'
- 'Forrestii'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Forrestii'
Compact, bright red leaves when young, slightly scented flowers.
- 'Forrestii'
- 'Forrestii'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Pieris
- Species:
- formosana
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Himalayas.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 13 ft. 0 in. - 26 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 13 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Five-parted seed capsules that develop in the leaf axils, splitting open when ripe to release seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Panicle
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Urn
- Flower Petals:
- Colored Sepals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Upright panicle of small, creamy-white urn-shaped flowers that blossom in April to June.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Glossy dark green leaves year round. New foliage is bronze. The 4 inch leaves are on short stalks with acute to long-pointed tips.
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Bark:
- Surface/Attachment:
- Exfoliating
- Bark Description:
- Exfoliating bark on mature branches.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Design Feature:
- Barrier
- Flowering Tree
- Hedge
