Pieris japonica ‘Carnaval’

Japanese andromeda

A spectacular acid-loving evergreen shrub with small dark green leaves trimmed in cream – perfect for lighting up a dappled spot in sheltered gardens or containers. The scented upright dense clusters of delicate pink flowers appear abundantly throughout spring.

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Origin: China, Japan, Taiwan
Genus: Pieris
Species / Cultivar: japonica 'Carnaval'
Common Name: Japanese andromeda
Synonym: Pieris japonica 'Carnival'

Plant Biography

‘Carnaval’ is a variegated cultivar of Pieris japonica, a species which grows in dense thickets across its native range of China, Taiwan, and Japan.

 

Pieris are in the heather family (Ericaceae), and sport the classic bell shaped flowers of its more famous relatives. They are pollen and nectar rich, irresistible to bees and other pollinators. Any larger animals hoping for a meal would do well to keep away from these plants however, as the grayanotoxins found in all parts are poisonous to eat.

Pieris japonica ‘Carnaval’
Soil: Ericaceous
Will not tolerate an alkaline pH, so pot in ericaceous compost if site is not neutral to acid.
Growth Rate: Medium
Expect to see moderate growth during growing season.
Water Requirement: Medium
Once it is established, this plant is likely to only require watering during drier periods.
Maintenance: Low
Minimal skill or input needed beyond the basics, a very independent plant.
Situation: Full Sun to Part Shade
Enjoys direct sun most of the day, but tolerant of fewer sunlit hours or light dappling.
Eventual Height: 1-1.5m
The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.
Eventual Spread: 0.5-1m
The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.
Hardiness: Hardy
Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.
Habit: Evergreen
Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Expert Tip

Though this is a frost hardy shrub, you would do well to position it somewhere protected from cold winds as a harsh chill blast can scorch younger foliage - which would be a shame as the new growth is usually flushed red with pink margins and extremely attractive.
Care & Size Guidance

Care & Size Guidance

Like many evergreen shrubs, you shouldn’t need to prune regularly. However if you do want to give it a trim do so just after flowers finish, and be sure to wash your hands afterwards as this plant is toxic to ingest.

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