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Pieris japonica 'Cavatine'
Cavatine Japanese Pieris
{Pieris japonica} is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan in mountain forests; 'Cavatine' is a dwarf cultivar propagated vegetatively
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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
6 - 8These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Pieris japonica 'Cavatine' is an evergreen shrub reaching 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and a compact, dense, mounding habit. This dwarf cultivar is roughly half the height and spread of standard P. japonica cultivars such as 'Dorothy Wyckoff' (5-7 feet / 1.5-2.1 m) and carries upright to slightly arching flower panicles 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long of white urn-shaped flowers in March-April — a more upright flower presentation than the long pendant chains of the larger cultivars. Bloom duration is 3-4 weeks. Alternate narrowly elliptic leathery leaves 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long are glossy dark green and proportionally smaller than those of standard cultivars; new growth emerges light green to bronze-tinged. Growth rate is slow, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year. Hardy to USDA zone 6 — less cold-hardy than P. japonica 'Dorothy Wyckoff' (zone 5) and 'Brouwer's Beauty' (zone 5). All parts are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Native Range
The species Pieris japonica is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan in mountain forests. 'Cavatine' is a dwarf cultivar of P. japonica propagated vegetatively.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen for small gardens, container plantings, borders, or low edging in zones 6-8 at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The dwarf stature (2-3 feet / 0.6-0.9 m) suits sites where standard P. japonica cultivars (5-7 feet / 1.5-2.1 m) would outgrow the space, including containers of 5 gallons (19 L) minimum. Acidic soil is essential; the cultivar fails in alkaline soils. Cold hardiness stops at USDA zone 6. All parts are toxic to pets and humans if ingested — not suited to sites with pets or small children who may browse plant material. Also not suited to alkaline soils or full sun in hot climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
White urn-shaped flowers in upright to slightly arching panicles 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, March-April. Bloom duration is 3-4 weeks. Flower buds are visible through winter as green-to-cream clusters before opening.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White urn-shaped flowers in upright to slightly arching panicles 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long; March-AprilFoliage Description
Glossy dark green leathery leaves; alternate narrowly elliptic 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long — proportionally smaller than standard cultivars; new growth emerges light green to bronze-tingedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil at pH 4.5-6.0. Hardy to USDA zone 6. Acidic soil is essential — chlorosis develops in alkaline soils. The compact habit requires minimal maintenance. Mulch the root zone 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) deep with pine bark or pine needles to hold moisture and maintain acidity. All parts are toxic to pets and humans if ingested.Pruning
The naturally compact mounding form needs little pruning. Remove spent flower panicles after bloom to keep the shrub tidy. Light shaping immediately after flowering if any correction is wanted. Avoid cutting back in late summer or autumn — this removes next year's flower buds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
late spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons