Pieris floribunda (Mountain Andromeda)

Pieris floribunda (Mountain Andromeda) is a dense, bushy, evergreen shrub that provides desirable winter interest, abundant spring blooms and a delightful foliage which holds its color across the seasons. Conspicuous flower buds form in the fall and are held erect through the winter, turning progressively greenish-white. In the spring, they open to urn-shaped, creamy white flowers. Borne in upright pyramidal clusters, they attract bees and bumblebees. The blossoms contrast nicely with the foliage of oval, glossy, deep green, leathery leaves. Cold-hardy, Mountain Andromeda resents high temperature and humidity. Native to the eastern United States, it is an excellent specimen shrub or accent in well-drained acidic soils.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
• Performs best in part shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun, but needs some protection in winter to avoid winter burn. Shelter from strong winds.
• Great as a specimen plant, flowering hedge, for shrub borders and foundation plantings.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Stem rot disease may occur in poorly-drained soils.
• Propagate by seed, cuttings (difficult) or rooting.
• Ingestion may cause tingling sensation, salivation, nose and eyes watering, nausea, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, headache, weakness, convulsions.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses, toxic to humans.
• Native to the eastern United States, primarily the southern Appalachian Mountains in the States of Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and West Virginia.