Katsura Japanese Andromeda

Dramatic Evergreen With Fiery Foliage

Bring on the drama! The bold Katsura Japanese Andromeda PP#15,452 (Pieris japonica 'Katsura') is one of the most striking broad-leaved evergreen shrubs you can grow. With fiery red new growth, lavender flower buds that dazzle in late winter, and delightfully fragrant bell-shaped flowers in spring, this shrub is the epitome of sophistication and style. Its glossy green leaves, dangling racemes of blooms, and year-round texture make it a must-have focal point in any garden.

This compact shrub puts on a dazzling show. New foliage emerges in a deep Merlot red that glows against older dark-green leaves, creating a multicolored effect. Lavender buds form in late winter, popping dramatically against evergreen foliage before bursting into dangling racemes of fragrant pale blooms. Hummingbirds and butterflies can't resist them, and gardeners adore the long-lasting display. Katsura Pieris performs beautifully in sun or partial shade and shines in both small-space gardens and larger landscapes.

Beloved worldwide, Pieris has many nicknames, including Fetterbush and Andromeda. Native to Asia and a member of the Heath family (Ericaceae), Katsura is closely related to Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Blueberries.

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Key Features

• Elegant broad-leaved evergreen shrub
• Fiery red new growth with glossy green mature foliage
• Lavender flower buds add winter interest
• Fragrant pale bell-shaped flowers in spring
• Long-lasting dangling racemes of blooms
• Hummingbird and butterfly magnet
• Deer don't prefer the taste
• Compact size works for containers or borders

Landscaping Uses

Katsura Pieris defines your landscape with year-long color, sophisticated texture, and spring fragrance. Reaching 6-8 feet tall and wide, it's perfect as a specimen, backdrop, or container centerpiece. Its evergreen presence, fragrant spring bloom, and tolerance of urban conditions have earned it a place on several state Firewise lists. This makes it not only a showstopper but also a practical, resilient landscaping shrub.

• Plant as a specimen shrub to stop garden traffic with its drama
• Use as a hedge along property lines - space two feet apart on center
• Define seating areas or patios with a Katsura backdrop
• Hide sheds or create semi-circles around fountains or garden features
• Add to mixed shrub borders for evergreen texture and spring color
• Grow in large containers for townhomes, balconies, or small gardens
• Enhances Asian-inspired gardens and pairs beautifully under Redbud trees

Care & Maintenance

Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, Katsura Pieris is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub that thrives with minimal fuss but maximum payoff. It tolerates urban conditions, is Firewise listed, and provides year-round beauty.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; needs at least 4 hours of sunlight daily
• Soil Requirements: Prefers humus-rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils
• Moisture Needs: Medium, regular watering needed - check with the Finger Test for soil moisture
• Mulch: Apply a 3-inch layer of pine straw mulch to conserve moisture (learn why mulch matters)
• Fertilization Needs: Use slow-release fertilizer for flowering evergreens; top-dress with compost annually
• Pruning Info: Blooms on last year's wood - prune after flowering; blooms can be cut and enjoyed indoors
• Special Perks: Deer-resistant, Firewise, container-friendly, urban-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for stronger root establishment and long-term vigor.

Katsura Creates Showstopping Style

The Katsura Pieris has it all - Merlot-red new growth, lavender winter buds, fragrant spring bells, and glossy evergreen foliage. No matter the size of your garden, Katsura brings dramatic beauty and year-round sophistication. Order Katsura Andromeda today from Nature Hills and make this stunning shrub the star of your landscape!