Pieris japonica Purity - Japanese Andromeda

Pieris japonica 'Purity' is a new variety of Japanese Andromeda selected in Japan for its floriferousness and compact habit. From March onwards, beautiful pure white blooms appear in abundance, clearly visible against the foliage. They are composed of large white bell-shaped flowers gathered in slightly upright panicles, crowning a compact and low-growing bush, in a dome shape. Particularly well-suited for container cultivation to decorate a terrace, this variety has won awards in England for its ornamental qualities, and for its ease of cultivation in non-calcereous soil. By illuminating the partially shaded areas of a garden or terrace, this white-flowering Andromeda offers a charming spectacle throughout the year.  

Pieris japonica, commonly called Japanese Andromeda, is native to eastern China, Japan, and Taiwan. It belongs to the Ericaceae family. The cultivar 'Purity', recently obtained by Pépinières Hakoneya in Japan, has a spreading habit, wider than it is tall. Its growth is very slow, ultimately forming a shrub measuring on average 1.35 m (4 in 5 ft) in height by 1.50 m (4 in 11 ft) in width. It has beautiful evergreen foliage, composed of long, shiny, lanceolate and pointed leaves, slightly toothed along the edges, measuring up to 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. The young shoots are tender green, then the leaves turn dark green. Clusters of white floral buds appear from the beginning of winter, enhancing the decorative effect of this Japanese Andromeda during the drearier months. In March-April, it becomes covered with a multitude of semi-pendulous clusters, 3 to 6 cm (1.2 - 2.4 in) long, composed of large white bell-shaped flowers, reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley blooms. The flowers give off a light honey fragrance.

Pieris japonica are hardy shrubs, appreciating acidic and moist soils, and partial shade. Due to its small size and extremely decorative appearance throughout the seasons, this 'Purity' Japanese Andromeda is perfectly suited for container cultivation, on a terrace, patio, or partially shaded balcony. It will also thrive under the cover of large trees, along the edge of partially shaded shrubs, as a low hedge, in a shaded rock garden, and particularly within an ericaceous bed, alongside other acid-loving plants such as Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Nandina, or Heathers. With its generous all-white flowering, it will create a sensational effect when combined with spring bulbs. This Japanese Andromeda animates the garden beautifully in all seasons, even in winter. It has its rightful place in a Japanese style garden.