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Pieris japonica 'Valley Valentine' (Valley Valentine Pieris)
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© Syrio, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs

Pieris japonica 'Valley Valentine'

Valley Valentine Pieris

Ericaceae
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (Comanche Peak Valley series; deepest red flowers)

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 Valentine' 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 the deepest red flowers of any Pieris japonica—pendant chains 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) of urn-shaped flowers in deep burgundy-red to wine-red, March-April. The deep red flower buds are visible from autumn through winter. The alternate, narrowly elliptic, leathery leaves are 2-3.5 inches (5-9 cm) long, glossy dark green. New growth emerges bronze to reddish. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 5. The deepest-colored flowers of any Pieris in the collection—significantly darker than the pink cultivars.

Native Range

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

Suggested Uses

Planted as a specimen or in borders at 4-5 foot (1.2-1.5 m) spacing. The deepest red flowers of any Pieris. Deep red winter buds Nov-Mar. 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 'Flamingo' by the much deeper burgundy-red (versus rose-pink) flower color. Distinguished from 'Valley Rose' by the dark red (versus medium pink) flowers. Distinguished from 'Dorothy Wyckoff' by the deeper, more saturated red (versus pale pink) flowers. The deepest red pendant flower chains of any Pieris—burgundy-red to wine-red.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Pendant chains of urn-shaped deep burgundy-red to wine-red flowers 3-5 inches (8-13 cm), March-April. Bloom duration 3-4 weeks. Deep red flower buds visible November-March.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep burgundy-red to wine-red; pendant urn-shaped chains 3-5 inches; Mar-Apr; deepest red Pieris

Foliage Description

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

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

Pruning

Remove spent flower chains after bloom. Minimal pruning needed.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans