Pieris japonica 'Flaming Silver'
flaming silver pieris
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (variegated sport of Bert Chandler)
Overview
Pieris japonica 'Flaming Silver' is an evergreen shrub reaching 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall with a spread of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) and an upright, rounded habit. This cultivar is distinguished by its variegated foliage—the alternate, narrowly elliptic, leathery leaves are 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) long, glossy dark green with narrow cream-white margins. New growth emerges vivid flame-red to bright pink, creating a tricolored effect of red, green, and white in spring. Pendant chains of urn-shaped, white to pale pink flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long appear in March-April. Growth rate is slow. Hardy to zone 6. The only variegated Pieris spp. in the collection. The variegation reduces vigor—slower growing than green-leaved cultivars. Sport of 'Bert Chandler'.
Native Range
Pieris japonica is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan. 'Flaming Silver' is a variegated sport.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens or shaded borders at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. The only variegated Pieris spp.—tricolored spring effect (red new growth, green-and-white mature leaves). Partial shade essential. Remove green reversions. Slower than green cultivars. All parts toxic. Not suitable for full sun (scorch) or alkaline soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Pendant chains of urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), March-April. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. Flower buds visible through winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink; pendant urn-shaped chains 3-5 inches; Mar-AprFoliage Description
Glossy dark green with cream-white margins; variegated; narrowly elliptic 2-3.5 inches; new growth vivid flame-red to bright pinkGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 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
Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Hardy to zone 6. Partial shade essential—full sun scorches variegated margins. Remove all-green reverted shoots promptly. Slower growing than green cultivars. All parts toxic.Pruning
Remove all-green reverted shoots promptly at any time. Prune after flowering if needed. Minimal pruning required.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons