The Essential Guide To The Pieris
Botanical Name: Pieris spp.
Common Name: Pieris, Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub, Japanese Andromeda
General Knowledge: The Pieris, commonly known as Japanese Andromeda, originates from eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan, where its elegant blooms are a herald of spring. In floral arrangements, it's prized for its cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage, often utilised in weddings for its delicate beauty. A fun fact about Pieris is that despite its common name 'Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub', it is not related to the true Lily-of-the-Valley and belongs to the Ericaceae family, which also includes heathers and blueberries.
Colour Range: Primarily white, with some varieties featuring a white with gold calyx, and others showing off various shades of pink.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Late winter to mid-spring is when Pieris is typically available.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Perfect for winter and early spring weddings, offering a delicate and romantic appearance.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, it is grown in cooler regions, such as Victoria and Tasmania.
Imported into Australia: Generally, Pieris is not imported as a cut flower due to its availability from local growers during the season.
Buying Tips: Choose blooms that are 80% to 100% open. Steer clear of any that show signs of dropping or browning, indicating they are past their prime.
Flower Maturity: Choose stems with fresh, vibrant blooms and buds, which indicate the flowers have been harvested at the correct time.
Expected Vase Life: Around 7 days, which is fairly typical for many cut flowers.
Typical Stem Length: Varies between 25–40 cm depending on the cultivar, with some as short as 15 cm for P. japonica.
Typical Bunch Size: Variable, allowing for use in diverse arrangements.
Which Floral Preservatives to Use: It is recommended to use standard flower food to extend vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Pieris is not sensitive to ethylene, which simplifies care somewhat as it does not require special treatments to avoid ethylene exposure.
Temperature Requirements: Keep Pieris cool, ideally stored at 2–4 °C.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: Maintain the recommended cool temperatures and ensure the flowers are well-hydrated without being waterlogged.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Store Pieris in a cool room at the recommended temperature to ensure longevity.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Keep the stems in a clean vase with a floral preservative solution to promote water uptake and prevent bacterial growth.