Pieris japonica Variegata

Common Name:
Common name – Variegated Lily-of-the-valley Shrub

Description:
Pieris japonica ‘Variegata’ is a highly ornamental evergreen shrub admired for its elegant cream-edged foliage and cascading clusters of delicate bell-shaped flowers that bloom from late winter into spring. The creamy white flowers hang gracefully beneath the branches, creating a soft, refined display against the variegated green and cream foliage. This attractive foliage remains colourful year-round, bringing brightness and texture to shaded garden spaces even when the plant is not in flower. Well-suited to Melbourne’s cooler climate, ‘Variegata’ thrives in moist, well-drained acidic soil enriched with organic matter and performs best in part shade with protection from harsh afternoon sun and drying winds. Its compact growth habit and striking foliage make it ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, feature planting, and decorative pots.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5–2.5 m
• Width: 1.5–2 m

Aspect:

• Part Shade
• Full Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Winter
• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Creamy white
• White
• Soft blush pink buds

Key Attributes:

• Bee Attracting
• Evergreen
• Perennial
• Suitable for Pots
• Thrives in acidic soil
• Useful for woodland gardens
• Variegated foliage
• Winter flowering interest

Toxicity:
Pieris japonica is toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock if ingested. All parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins, which may cause vomiting, drooling, weakness, and digestive upset.

Companion Plants:

• Azalea
• Camellia
• Daphne
• Ferns
• Gardenia
• Hellebore
• Hydrangea
• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
• Rhododendron
• Skimmia japonica