Japanese andromeda (pieris) Pieris japonica
Japanese andromeda (pieris) (Pieris japonica) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Ericaceae family, native to Japan, eastern China and Taiwan. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Japanese andromeda (pieris) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Japanese andromeda (pieris) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, eastern China and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Japanese andromeda (pieris) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: all parts, nectar
Grayanotoxins in all parts cause vomiting, weakness and potentially dangerous heart effects.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese andromeda (pieris)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Mountain laurel: Mountain laurel and rhododendrons are hosts of Phytophthora ramorum (sudden oak death), which spreads from infected foliage between neighbouring plants. Evidence B
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Phytophthora ramorum: Sudden oak death pathogen; rhododendron, viburnum, camellia and pieris spread it to oaks and larch. Evidence B
Questions about Japanese andromeda (pieris)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese andromeda (pieris)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–2.5 m (3.9–8.2 ft).
- Does Japanese andromeda (pieris) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese andromeda (pieris) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese andromeda (pieris)?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Japanese andromeda (pieris) flower?
- From about March for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese andromeda (pieris) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people moderately toxic. Grayanotoxins in all parts cause vomiting, weakness and potentially dangerous heart effects.
- What grows well with Japanese andromeda (pieris)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese andromeda (pieris). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs acidic, humus-rich soil and shelter from frost-damaged early flower buds and spring frost on red new growth.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- American cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon
- Lingonberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea
- Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus
- Satsuki azalea Rhododendron indicum
- Heather (ling) Calluna vulgaris
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia