shrub RHS Award

Japanese Andromeda

Name: Japanese Andromeda
Brand: Pieris
Availability: InStock

Pieris japonica 'Dorothy Wycoff'

$31.46

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, Taiwan, eastern China

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Pieris japonica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its pendulous clusters of urn-shaped flowers and often colorful new foliage. It requires acidic, well-drained soil. 'Dorothy Wycoff' is distinguished by its deep red flower buds that provide winter color before opening to light pink flowers. Its evergreen foliage takes on a handsome bronze-red hue in winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides four-season interest with its evergreen foliage, winter flower buds, spring flowers, and colorful new growth. Its graceful, tiered structure adds elegance to shaded garden settings.

Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for foundation plantings or as an informal screen in woodland gardens. It is relatively low-maintenance once established in the right conditions.

The early spring flowers are an important nectar source for emerging bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$31.46

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Amend soil with compost or peat moss to improve acidity and drainage.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of acidic mulch like pine needles.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds to prevent foliage desiccation and protect flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a consistent moisture level, especially during dry spells.
Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer in spring.
Mulch with pine straw or shredded bark to conserve moisture and acidify soil.
Provide afternoon shade, particularly in warmer zones.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or heavy clay soils.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Do not prune after June, as this will remove next year's flower buds.
Avoid planting in windy, exposed sites.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant foundation plantingWoodland garden specimenMixed border accent with winter interest

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Kalmia latifolia Helleborus orientalis Ferns Hostas

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Andromeda questions

What zones can Japanese Andromeda grow in?

Japanese Andromeda is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Andromeda deer resistant?

Yes — Japanese Andromeda is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Japanese Andromeda bloom?

Japanese Andromeda typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Andromeda need full sun?

Japanese Andromeda does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.