Pieris japonica 'Valley Valentine'
valley valentine pieris
Japan, E China, Taiwan parentage (Comanche Peak Valley series; deepest red flowers)
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 spp. 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 spp.. 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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 7'
Width/Spread4' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
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 PierisFoliage Description
Glossy dark green; narrowly elliptic leathery 2-3.5 inches; new growth bronze to reddishGrowing 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
Plant in partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Hardy to zone 5. Acidic soil essential. Standard Pieris spp. 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