Plant Details

Lily-of-the-valley shrub is a herald of spring as its blossoms are among the first of the season. Pieris 'Brouwer's Beauty' is a particularly choice selection of these early bloomers. This medium-sized, evergreen shrub has deep green foliage that complements its deep red flower buds, poised on winter branches, just waiting to bloom in early spring. 'Brouwer's Beauty' produces a heavy crop of flowers held in a distinctive horizontal trusses at the tips of the branches. Each urn-shaped flower is creamy white. This evergreen's slow growth and refined habit make it an excellent choice for the urban landscape. Pieris are a favorite and important food source for our native pollinator, the mason bee. Play off the delicate, evergreen foliage of lily-of-the-valley shrub with coarser plants, such as rhododendrons, or other bolder, variegated plants. Ferns, hostas and epimediums also thrive in the company of these beautiful shrubs. Pieris 'Brouwer's Beauty' is an unusual hybrid between Pieris floribunda, from eastern North America, and Pieris japonica, from Japan. This Pieris cultivar stood out at an extensive trial at North Willamette Research and Extension Center, Oregon.

Japanese andromeda is easy to grow in rich well-drained or sandy soil. This selection will also tolerate clay soil if the drainage is adequate. It prefers a site with full sun to light or open shade for the best flowering and growth. Occasional watering during dry weather will keep it looking its best and if planted in sandy soil regular watering may be necessary. Faded flowers can be snapped off or lightly sheared off. This should be done as soon as the flowers have faded. Avoid locations in hot spots.

(Source: Great Plant Picks)