Monday, October 17, 2011

PIERIS

This Erica family genus consists of  7 species, mainly evergreen shrubs from the subtropical and temperate regions of the Himalayas and eastern Asia, as well as a vine and some shrubby species from eastern  America and the West Indies. The species have been widely cultivated and extensively hybridized, and the best known are extremely popular evergreen shrubs for temperate gardens. typically, the glossy green leaves are simple, pointed, and elliptical-shaped, often with serrated edges, and the flowers are bell-shaped, downward-facing, and are borne in panicles of white to pale pink clusters. The flowers usually open in spring and are sometimes scented.

CULTIVATION


Pieris plants will perfrom best in cool, moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. A position in full sun yields more flowers, wheres light shade produces foliage that is more lush. They are naturally tidy plants, but a light trimming will help keep them that way. Propagate from half-hardened cuttings or by layering.

Tip Top


Pieris species make good companion plants for heath (Erica species), azaleas, and rhododendrons as they all enjoy an acid soil and warm, but not hot, summers.

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