Pieris Mountain Fire

A long-established, larger cultivar of this acid-loving species, Pieris japonica Mountain Fire is a medium-sized, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with an upright, rounded habit. The heavily divided leathery leaves emerge bronze-red, turning coppery and finally a deep, glossy green. In spring, panicles of small, cream-coloured urn-shaped flowers almost cover the plant. Pieris Mountain Fire holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, and is good grown in ericaceous compost in a container, or in dappled shade as part of a woodland planting. Like all pieris, it’s attractive to pollinators.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Light, well drained acid soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, particularly spring
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6’6” (2m) Spread: 5’ (1.5m)