Avalanche Pieris

Size

The Avalanche Pieris or Pieris japonica 'Avalanche' is a springtime blooming shrub that makes a big impression. Small, lantern-shaped flowers grow along thin stems, creating strings of abundant flowers. Broad, leathery-green leaves peak out in between the flower clusters. While the flowers steal the show during April and May, the Avalanche Pieris is evergreen, so it provides color year-round. The foliage turns a bronzy color during the fall. This shrub creates an impressive border or use it to anchor a bed or mass planting. The broad, upright growth habit makes the Avalanche Pieris a good privacy screen around a deck or patio. This Pieris is low maintenance and easy to maintain. Deer do not favor this beauty, so it will hold up against foraging animals. Avalanche Pieris Care The Avalanche Pieris likes partial sun, so choose a spot that receives 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. Deeply water the plant weekly to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and help the Pieris thrive. Use an acidic fertilizer once during the early spring, like one formulated for rhododendrons or azaleas. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage another flush of flowers. The Avalanche Pieris has an excellent shape and does not generally need to be trimmed or shaped. Avalanche Pieris Spacing This large shrub will mature to 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Plant shrubs 5 to 6 feet apart to create a continuous border or privacy screen while allowing air to circulate around the foliage.