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

Pieris japonica 'Valley Rose'

Valley Rose Pieris

Ericaceae
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (Comanche Peak Valley series; clear medium pink)

Learn more

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer Resistant
Maintenancelow

Overview

Pieris japonica 'Valley Rose' is an evergreen shrub reaching 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m) tall with a spread of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) and an upright, broadly rounded habit. This cultivar from the Comanche Peak 'Valley' series produces pendant chains of urn-shaped flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long in clear medium pink, holding their color well without fading to white—a cleaner, more uniform pink than 'Dorothy Wyckoff'. 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 moderate. Hardy to zone 5. Intermediate in flower color between the pale pink of 'Dorothy Wyckoff' and the deep rose of 'Flamingo'.

Native Range

Pieris japonica is native to Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan. 'Valley Rose' is from the Comanche Peak 'Valley' breeding series.

Suggested Uses

Planted in woodland gardens or borders at 4-5 foot (1.2-1.5 m) spacing. Clear medium pink flowers hold color well. From the hardy 'Valley' series (z5). 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 clearer, more uniform medium pink (versus pale pink fading to white) flowers and the less intensely colored winter buds. Distinguished from 'Flamingo' by the lighter, medium pink (versus deep rose-pink) color. Distinguished from 'Valley Valentine' by the lighter pink (versus deep red) flowers. The clear medium pink pendant chains that hold color without fading are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height5' - 7'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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Spring
Pendant chains of urn-shaped clear medium pink flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), March-April. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. Color holds well without fading to white.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Clear medium pink; pendant urn-shaped chains 3-5 inches; Mar-Apr; color holds without fading

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

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 5. Standard Pieris culture. Acidic soil essential. All parts toxic.

Pruning

Remove spent flower chains after bloom. Minimal pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
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M
J
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D
late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans