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Pieris japonica 'Flamingo' (Flamingo Japanese Pieris)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs

Pieris japonica 'Flamingo'

Flamingo Japanese Pieris

Ericaceae
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (cultivar selected for deep rose-pink flowers)

Learn more

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Width3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Maturity7 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 8
Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantContainer Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

Pieris japonica 'Flamingo' 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 grown for its flower color—long pendant chains 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) of urn-shaped flowers in deep rose-pink, among the deepest pink of any Pieris japonica cultivar, March-April. The alternate, narrowly elliptic, leathery leaves are 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) long, glossy dark green. New growth emerges bronze to reddish-bronze. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 6. The deep rose-pink flower color distinguishes this from the paler pinks and whites of other cultivars.

Native Range

Pieris japonica is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan. 'Flamingo' is a cultivar selected for deep rose-pink flowers.

Suggested Uses

Planted in woodland gardens or borders at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. The deepest rose-pink flowers among standard-sized Pieris. Acidic soil essential. All parts toxic. Not suitable for alkaline soils or full sun in hot climates.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Dorothy Wyckoff' by the deeper, more uniformly rose-pink (versus pale pink fading to white) flower color and the less intensely colored winter buds. Distinguished from 'Valley Valentine' by the rose-pink (versus deep red) flowers. Distinguished from 'Valley Rose' by the deeper pink color. The deepest rose-pink pendant flower chains among the P. japonica cultivars.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Pendant chains of urn-shaped deep rose-pink flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), March-April. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep rose-pink; pendant urn-shaped chains 3-5 inches; Mar-Apr; among deepest pink Pieris

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green; narrowly elliptic leathery 2-3.5 inches; new growth bronze to reddish-bronze

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)
357912
Soil Types
loampeatsand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Hardy to zone 6. Acidic soil essential. Standard Pieris culture. All parts toxic.

Pruning

Remove spent flower chains after bloom. Light shaping if needed. Minimal pruning required.

Pruning Schedule

J
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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans