Also known as Andromeda · 192 saves
Pieris
Pieris, the genus most gardeners know as andromeda. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Pieris varieties
Species of Pieris
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pieris in Sow
Save the Pieris you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pieris
Whats common across all Pieris varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Pieris year
- FertilizeMarch and April92% of varieties
Apply an acid-forming fertilizer after the plant has finished blooming.
- MulchMarch, April and October77% of varieties
Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of acidic mulch over the root zone.
- PruneApril and May77% of varieties
Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove spent flower trusses.
- Check for PestsMay–July46% of varieties
Check for lace bugs, though this variety is resistant.
- PlantFebruary, March, April, September and October38% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall in a site protected from harsh winter winds.
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Use an acidic mulch like pine straw or shredded bark.
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to direct energy into growth.
- Protect from harsh winter elements.
Avoid
- Don't allow the soil to dry out completely.
- Avoid deep cultivation around the shallow roots.
- Do not plant in alkaline or heavy clay soil.
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
What goes wrong with Pieris
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Andromeda Lace Bug | Yellow or whitish stippling on upper leaf surfaces; dark, varnish-like spots on undersides. | Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, ensuring good coverage of leaf undersides. Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid can be effective. |
| Lace Bug | Yellow or white stippling on upper leaf surfaces; dark spots on the undersides. | 'Brouwer's Beauty' is resistant, but if they appear, spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Systemic insecticides are effective for heavy infestations. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or bronzed foliage, especially in hot, dry sites. | Spray forcefully with water to dislodge them. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Black Vine Weevil | Notching on leaf margins from adult feeding; wilting from larval root damage. | Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to control larvae. Use insecticides containing bifenthrin for adults. |
| Phytophthora Root Rot | Wilting, poor growth, and dieback caused by waterlogged soil. | This variety has some resistance. Ensure excellent drainage. Plant in raised beds if necessary. Prevention is the only cure. |
| Leaf Spot | Circular brown or black spots on leaves. | Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy infected leaves. Fungicides can be used for severe cases. |
| Root Rot | Poor growth, wilting, and yellowing leaves caused by waterlogged soil. | Ensure excellent drainage. Plant in raised beds if soil is heavy. No cure; prevention is essential. |
Making more Pieris
Softwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings of new growth in early summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a sterile, moist medium like peat and perlite.
- Cover to maintain humidity; rooting takes 6-8 weeks.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, acidic potting mix.
- Keep in high humidity with a plastic cover.
- Wait about 6 weeks for roots to develop.
Pieris questions
How many types of Pieris are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Pieris varieties. The most popular — ranked by 192 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pieris grow in?
Across its varieties, Pieris covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pieris bloom?
Most Pieris varieties bloom in early spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pieris should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.