Description

‘Flaming Silver’ brings dynamic, multi-season interest. New foliage emerges vivid red, maturing to glossy green with crisp silver margins for year-round contrast. In early to mid-spring, graceful racemes of white, bell-shaped flowers spill from the branch tips, lightly fragrant and attractive to early bees. Its naturally tidy, rounded habit and slow-to-moderate growth make it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, containers, and structured plantings in acidic, moisture-retentive yet free-draining soils.

Suggested Uses

• Mixed borders with Rhododendrons & Azaleas
• Shaded entryways and courtyards
• Evergreen contrast in winter
• Woodland & Japanese-style gardens
• Large patio containers (ericaceous compost)
• Understory accent beneath light tree canopy

Plant Details

Botanical Name Pieris Flaming Silver Sold Out (cultivar commonly known as Pieris japonica ‘Flaming Silver’)

Common Name Pieris Flaming Silver; Japanese Andromeda; Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub

Size & Growth Matures around 3–4 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide in 8–10 years; naturally rounded, tidy habit; slow to moderate growth.

Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 6–8 (protected sites in 5b with winter shelter; may struggle in hot, dry Zone 9 locations).

Foliage Type Evergreen, variegated leaves with silver-white margins; striking red new growth in spring.

Bloom Time Early to mid-spring (typically March–April); dangling racemes of white, bell-shaped flowers.

Growth Rate Slow to moderate; maintains a compact, low-maintenance form without heavy pruning.

Light Requirements Best in partial shade or dappled light; morning sun with afternoon shade. Avoid harsh, hot afternoon sun and drying winds.

Attracts Pollinators Yes — spring blooms provide early-season nectar for bees and other beneficial insects.

Indoor Friendly Not recommended as a houseplant; prefers outdoor conditions with cool roots and natural light cycles.

Container Friendly Yes — thrives in large containers using ericaceous (acid-loving) compost and consistent moisture with excellent drainage.

Deer Resistant Generally deer-resistant; deer typically avoid Pieris foliage due to its natural compounds.

Pet Warning Toxic if ingested (contains grayanotoxins). Keep away from pets, livestock, and children; avoid composting trimmings where animals can access.

Fragrant Lightly fragrant spring blossoms with a delicate, sweet scent in mild weather.

Cut Flower Yes — flowering sprays and colorful new growth are attractive in small arrangements; sear stems briefly to prolong vase life.

Grows Well With Rhododendron, Azalea, Camellia, Skimmia, Heuchera, Hosta, Ferns, Heather (Erica/Calluna), and Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum).

Care Tips

Planting Instructions Plant in spring or early fall. Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth; tease circling roots, set plant level with the soil surface, backfill with organic-rich, acidic mix, water deeply, then mulch 2–3 inches—keeping mulch off the stem.

Soil Moisture Keep evenly moist, never waterlogged. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first 1–2 years; avoid drought to prevent leaf scorch and bud drop.

Soil Type Acidic (pH ~4.5–6.0), humus-rich, well-drained. Use ericaceous compost for containers; avoid lime or alkaline amendments.

Humidity Average outdoor humidity is suitable; shelter from drying winds. In containers, avoid hot, reflective sites that desiccate foliage.

Pruning Instructions Deadhead spent racemes after bloom to tidy and reduce seed set. Lightly tip-prune for shape right after flowering. Remove dead or crossing wood in late winter; avoid hard pruning into old wood.

Winter Care Mulch the root zone in late fall; water well before ground freezes. In colder sites, protect from winter sun and wind (burlap screen) to prevent leaf scorch; container plants may need pot insulation.

Planting Depth Set the crown at or just above existing soil level; never bury the stem. Ensure the root flare remains visible for proper oxygen exchange.

Fertilization Feed lightly in early spring with a slow-release, acid-loving fertilizer (for azaleas/rhododendrons). Avoid high-phosphorus formulas; apply chelated iron if chlorosis occurs in alkaline soils.

Special Care Best with morning sun/afternoon shade. Use rainwater in hard-water areas. Monitor for andromeda lace bug and root weevils; encourage vigor with mulch and even moisture. Avoid lime and heavy root disturbance.