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Pieris japonica 'Nocturne' (Nocturne Japanese Pieris)
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© Salicyna, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs

Pieris japonica var. Nocturne 'Nocturne'

Nocturne Japanese Pieris

Ericaceae
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (cultivar selected for darkest foliage)

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 'Nocturne' 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 dark foliage—the alternate, narrowly elliptic, leathery leaves are 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) long, emerging deep maroon-red to burgundy-purple, maturing to very dark glossy green, noticeably darker than other Pieris japonica cultivars. Pendant chains of white urn-shaped flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) appear in March-April, contrasting against the dark foliage. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 6. The darkest foliage of any Pieris in the collection—the new growth is particularly deep-colored.

Native Range

Pieris japonica is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan. 'Nocturne' is a cultivar selected for dark foliage.

Suggested Uses

Planted in woodland gardens or borders at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. The darkest-foliaged Pieris—dark new growth and very dark mature leaves. White flowers contrast against dark foliage. Acidic soil essential. All parts toxic. Not suitable for alkaline soils or full sun in hot climates.

How to Identify

Distinguished from other Pieris cultivars by the darkest mature foliage (very dark glossy green) and the deep maroon-red to burgundy-purple new growth. Distinguished from 'Valley Fire' by the darker mature foliage (versus standard green) and the less vivid but more persistently dark new growth color. Distinguished from 'Dorothy Wyckoff' by the white (versus pink) flowers and the darker overall foliage tone. The darkest-foliaged Pieris with white flowers contrasting against deep green to burgundy leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Spring
Pendant chains of white urn-shaped flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), March-April. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. White flowers contrast against the dark foliage.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White; pendant urn-shaped chains 3-5 inches; Mar-Apr; contrasts dark foliage

Foliage Description

Very dark glossy green mature (darkest Pieris); new growth deep maroon-red to burgundy-purple; narrowly elliptic leathery 2-3.5 inches

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. The dark foliage develops deepest color in light shade. All parts toxic.

Pruning

Remove spent flower chains after bloom. Minimal pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

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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