SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pieris japonica 'Katsura', PP15,452

COMMON NAME: Katsura Japanese Pieris

GARDEN SIZE: 5 ft. tall x 5 ft. wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderately fast

USDA ZONE: 5-8

EXPOSURE: Part Shade; Protect from harsh winter winds

WATER & SOIL: Prefers medium moisture, well-drained slightly acidic soils; drought-tolerant once established

HABIT (FORM): Dense, compact, upright shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy dark green leaves with wine-red new growth that holds color through spring and summer

FLOWERS: Drooping racemes of rose-pink bell-shaped flowers in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as Holly-tone) after blooming in the spring and during the fall.

PRUNING: Prune spent flowers immediately after flowering

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Also toxic to humans.

USES: Foundation Plant, Shade Gardens, Border, Specimen