Pieris formosa

RHS Plant Profile
Taiwan pieris

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Taiwan pieris RHS

Synonyms

Andromeda formosa

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs
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A large, upright, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves up to 10cm long. In spring, the young foliage is bronze, and small, white, waxy, flowers are produced in large sprays at the ends of the branches

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, tortoises): Harmful if eaten - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Pieris are compact evergreen shrubs with leathery, dark green leaves, often brightly coloured when young, and small white urn-shaped flowers borne in panicles in spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Himalaya, W China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in acidic, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil but may need some protection in winter when young

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer. Some bottom heat may be required

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to pieris lacebug

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), Phytophthora root rot, and fungal leaf spot