The Plant Guide

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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.

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DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw

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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
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Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

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Quick and easy to put into operation and is less noisy and lighter in weight than gas-powered hedge trimmers.
- 38 x 7 x 7 inches
- 6.9 pounds
- 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)
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Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

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Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.
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  • 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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