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

Pieris japonica 'Little Heath'

Little Heath Pieris

Ericaceae
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (dwarf variegated cultivar)

Learn more

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Width2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m)
Maturity8 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 'Little Heath' 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 variegated cultivar has small, narrowly elliptic leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, dark green with cream-white margins—similar variegation to 'Flaming Silver' but in a much smaller package. New growth emerges pink to pinkish-bronze. Flowering is sparse—small white urn-shaped flowers in short upright panicles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), March-April, less profuse than green-leaved cultivars. Growth rate is very slow. Hardy to zone 6. The most compact variegated Pieris—combining dwarf habit with cream-margined foliage. Slower and less floriferous than non-variegated cultivars.

Native Range

Pieris japonica is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan. 'Little Heath' is a dwarf variegated cultivar.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, containers, or as border edging at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The most compact variegated Pieris. Foliage is the primary feature—flowering is sparse. Containers require minimum 3-gallon pot. Partial shade essential. Very slow growing. All parts toxic. Not suitable for full sun or alkaline soils.

How to Identify

Distinguished from 'Flaming Silver' by the much smaller size (2-3 feet versus 4-6 feet) and the sparser flowering. Distinguished from 'Cavatine' by the variegated (versus solid green) foliage. The compact mound of small cream-variegated leaves with pink new growth is diagnostic—the smallest variegated Pieris.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green
white

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Sparse small white urn-shaped flowers in short upright panicles 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), March-April. Less floriferous than green-leaved cultivars. Variegated foliage is the primary feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; sparse small urn-shaped in short upright panicles 1-2 inches; Mar-Apr; foliage primary

Foliage Description

Dark green with cream-white margins; variegated; small narrowly elliptic 1-2 inches; new growth pink to pinkish-bronze

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
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

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

4-6 years

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 for variegation—full sun scorches margins. Very slow growing. Remove any all-green reversions. All parts toxic.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove all-green reverted shoots promptly. Light shaping if needed after flowering.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans