You won’t go wrong Growing Pieris Japonica Katsura in a pot. In fact, if I were asked which evergreen shrub would I recommend for growing in a pot, I would have no hesitation in suggesting Pieris.

Pieris Japonica Katsura in our garden

This one has had a lot of moving from one place to the other in the five years it has been in our garden.

Finally, I found the right spot. Sitting in a pot right outside our back door, it’s never looked better.

Only getting three hours sunshine per day seems to suit it just fine.

Those Spring/early Summer mahogany leaves have you opening the back door every now and again just to take a peek.

On the downside, it has never flowered.

Another old favourite

Plant details for Pieris Japonica Katsura

This Japanese Pieris nicknamed Lily of the Valley shrub because of the late Winter early Spring blooms which resemble those of the true Lily of the valley but without the fragrance.

Hardiness

Fully hardy throughout the UK

Height

Grows to approximately one meter tall and much the same in width

Flowers and leaves

Pale pink blooms in early Spring with glossy deep red new leaves from April to June, after which the leaves will turn dark green.

Soil

Moist free draining acidic soil

Common name

Lily of the valley bush

Position

Your Pieris will not be happy in a hot, sunny spot. Get the best out of your plant and place it in a quite shady, sheltered position. Grows exceptionally well in a pot using one part John Innes No. 3 and two parts of an ericaceous compost.

Origin

Japan

Pruning

Katsura being a smaller variety of Pieris Japonica seldom has any need for pruning. If for any reason you find your specimen requires it, do so as soon as the flowers have gone over.

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Late June in the garden

After the Spring display, it takes a little time before Summer truly takes over. Those little white Erigeron karvinskianus were introduced into the back garden last year, (great perennial)