Evergreen shrub – Katsura Japanese Pieris

Katsura Japanese Pieris

Botanical name: pieris japonica ‘katsura’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 3 ft in height and in spread 

Bloom time: spring 

Hardy zone: zones 4-7

Flower color: white/pink

Foliage color: green/red/white 

Growth rate: grows less than a ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: borders, accent plant, foundation plant

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: deer resistant, fragrant blooms 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a flower food or tree and shrub plant food liquid fertilizer once a month from the early spring through the early summer 

Best time to plant: spring or fall

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: magnolia, hollies, azaleas, false cypress

Toxicity level: highly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no