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Pieris japonica 'Sarabande'
Sarabande Japanese Pieris
{Pieris japonica} is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan in mountain forests; 'Sarabande' is a narrow-leaved 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 'Sarabande' is an evergreen shrub reaching 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) and a compact, narrow, upright habit. The cultivar carries the narrowest leaves of commonly grown Pieris selections at 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) wide and 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long — less than a third the blade width of standard cultivars such as 'Dorothy Wyckoff' (leaves roughly 1-1.5 inches / 2.5-4 cm wide). The slender lanceolate leaves give a willowy overall texture that contrasts with the typical broader-leaved Pieris. Pendant chains of white urn-shaped flowers 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long open in March-April; bloom duration is 3-4 weeks. New growth emerges bronze before maturing to glossy dark green. Growth rate is slow, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) per year. Hardy to USDA zone 6. 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. 'Sarabande' is a narrow-leaved cultivar of P. japonica propagated vegetatively.Suggested Uses
Used as a specimen, low border accent, or container shrub in zones 6-8 at 2-3 foot (0.6-0.9 m) spacing. The narrow lanceolate foliage gives a willowy contrast against broad-leaved evergreens such as Rhododendron and Kalmia and against other Pieris cultivars in a mixed woodland planting. Containers of 5 gallons (19 L) minimum suit the compact upright habit. 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
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years
Bloom Information
Pendant chains of white urn-shaped flowers 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, March-April. Bloom duration is 3-4 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White urn-shaped flowers in pendant chains 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long; March-AprilFoliage Description
Glossy dark green leathery leaves; alternate lanceolate, very narrow at only 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) wide and 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long; willowy in outline; new growth emerges bronzeGrowing 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 narrow-leaved foliage is the primary ornamental feature. 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 upright form needs little pruning. Remove spent flower chains after bloom. 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
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons