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Lily-of-the-valley bush

Pieris japonica

pee-AIR-iss jah-PON-ih-kah

This neat, rounded shrub has given rise to many noteworthy cultivars. It grows to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide, producing drooping clusters of delicate white blossoms in winter and spring. Use this shrub in a woodland, rock garden, container, or as a foundation plant.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsGlossy leaves; bead-like flower buds; abundant dainty flowers.

CareGrow in acidic, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Cut back dead or diseased wood in mid-spring.

PropagationSow seed in a cold frame in spring or fall. Root greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in mid- to late summer.

ProblemsDieback, canker, Phytophthora root rot, lacebug, nematodes.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
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Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little guy weighs less than 2 lb. and can zip through all your minor pruning tasks quickly and easily.
- 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
- Uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger
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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

You can fit a variety of blades to this saw to cut fallen branches or prune larger limbs from trees in a pinch. It’s fast, tough, easy to use, and extremely versatile.
- 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm
- DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece
Buy at Amazon
  • Genus : Pieris
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Uses : Containers, Shade
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Interesting Bark, Showy Foliage
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Growth Rate : Slow
  • Bloom Time : Spring, Winter
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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