Flaming Silver Pieris japonica Japanese Andromeda Shrub
The foliage appears as red, then becomes pink with a silvery edge, and finally deepens to dark green while keeping its lovely variegation.
Waxy, early-spring white flowers arise in 3- to 6-inch racemes before the foliage. Very fragrant, they dangle like giant bunches of grapes from the bare branches. Then the foliage appears -- bright red for several weeks before mellowing to pink and sporting a broad, distinctive edging of silvery white. The leaves eventually turn dark green for summer, but the variegation remains, standing out nicely through the summer heat and sun.
This shrub reaches about 5 feet high and wide, and is quite easy to grow in sun or shade. It doesn't mind drought (once established in the garden), and thrives in any type of soil from sand to clay, even poor infertile types. Protect it from strong wind and it will reward you with unforgettable spring shows and reliable summer and fall variegation for many seasons to come! Evergreen in warm climates. Care for 'Flaming Silver' as you would a Rhododendron; best in morning sun. Zones 5-9.
| Genus | Pieris |
| Species | japonica |
| Variety | 'Flaming Silver' |
| Item Form | 1-Quart |
| Zone | 5 - 9 |
| Bloom Season | Early Spring |
| Habit | Mound-shaped |
| Plant Height | 5 ft |
| Plant Width | 5 ft |
| Bloom Size | 3 in - 6 in |
| Additional Characteristics | Bloom First Year, Easy Care Plants, Evergreen, Flower, Fragrance, Free Bloomer, Variegated |
| Bloom Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Dark Green, Pink, Red, Silver/Gray, Variegated |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Moisture Requirements | Dry, Moist, well-drained |
| Resistance | Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant |
| Soil Tolerance | Clay, Normal, loamy, Poor, Sandy |
| Uses | Border, Containers, Foliage Interest, Hedge, Ornamental, Specimen |
| Restrictions | Canada, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands |