Japanese Andromeda Pieris japonica 'Katsura' (PBR)
ABOUT
Katsura, a variety of Japanese Andromeda, is an ornamental shrub that is prized for its diverse palette of colors throughout the growing season. It boasts glossy, dark green leaves which create a lush backdrop for other garden plants. When new foliage emerges in the spring, it offers a striking display cast in hues of cinnamon-red, adding a warm and vibrant touch to the garden. As the seasons change, so does the Katsura, with the foliage transitioning into a deep green, maintaining its shiny appearance. Come fall, the leaves may turn to a rich bronze, providing a beautiful autumnal display. What sets the Katsura apart are its pendulous chains of small, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers appear in early spring and have a subtle, yet delightful fragrance. They are typically a soft white to pale pink color, creating a delicate contrast against the new reddish foliage. Adding to its ornamental appeal, the Katsura has a graceful, rounded shape with a dense branching structure that adds to its full appearance. Throughout the year, its textured bark on mature branches provides interest, even in the winter months when the shrub is devoid of leaves. Katsura is commonly used in landscaping because of its visual interest throughout the year, its compact and rounded form, and its ability to provide colorful highlights in a variety of garden settings. Whether used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border, it brings beauty to the landscape across seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Pieris, Andromeda, Lily-of-the-Valley Bush, Japanese Andromeda.
Common names
Pieris japonica 'Katsura' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese Andromeda contains grayanotoxins, which can be toxic to humans if ingested. Consumption of parts of the plant, particularly leaves and nectar, can potentially lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lower blood pressure, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or coma.
To pets
Japanese Andromeda is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, caused by grayanotoxins found in the plant. If ingested, it can result in gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as more severe symptoms like depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, hyper-salivation, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases, could be fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Pieris japonica 'Katsura' offers year-round visual interest with its deep red young foliage that matures to dark green, and its bell-shaped white flowers.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of Pieris is low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and upkeep once established.
- Hardy Nature: It is hardy in many climates and can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow well in partial shade, giving gardeners options for planting under tree canopies or in less sunny spots.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: This plant is versatile in landscape design, used in mass plantings, as a specimen plant, or in foundation plantings.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Pieris japonica 'Katsura' has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is relatively resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage in areas where deer are a common problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing subtle shades of yellow or green depending on the mordants used.
- The acidic soil needed by Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be indicative of soil conditions, guiding gardeners on what other plants can thrive in the same area.
- Its dense evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter for small wildlife, including beneficial insects and small birds seeking refuge or nesting spots.
- Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be utilized in bonsai culture, appreciated for its attractive foliage and the challenge of maintaining its form in miniature.
- The fallen petals and leaves of Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be used to create natural, biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations.
- The plant's branches can be pruned and used as delicate natural decor in floral arrangements or wreaths, particularly when its bell-shaped flowers or colorful new growth are present.
- When strategically planted, Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be effective at reducing noise pollution with its dense growth habit acting as a sound barrier.
- The cascading form of Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be featured in landscape photography, teaching photographers about plant texture and composition.
- It can be used as a living sculpture in themed gardens, such as a Japanese garden, where its shape and style contribute to the aesthetic.
- Educationally, Pieris japonica 'Katsura' can be used to demonstrate the process of plant adaptation and selection, especially with its PBR (Plant Breeders' Rights) status reflecting human influence on plant genetics.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Andromeda is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Andromeda is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- New Beginnings: As Pieris japonica 'Katsura' is often one of the first plants to bloom in spring, it symbolizes fresh starts and the awakening of nature after winter.
- Protection: In traditional Japanese gardening, Pieris plants are believed to ward off evil spirits; therefore, they symbolize protection and safety.
- Longevity: Due to its evergreen nature, the Pieris japonica 'Katsura' represents long life and immortality.
- Beauty and Elegance: With its delicate bell-shaped flowers and tiered foliage, Pieris japonica 'Katsura' is often associated with grace, beauty, and sophistication.
- Adaptation: This plant's ability to thrive in various conditions speaks to its symbolism of adaptation and resilience in the face of challenges.
WaterThe Japanese Andromeda 'Katsura' prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this may translate to watering once or twice a week during active growth periods in the spring and summer, but frequency should be reduced during the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down. Use deep watering methods to encourage root development by allowing water to seep slowly into the soil, which could mean using about 1-2 gallons of water for an established shrub each time you water, depending on the size and environmental conditions.
LightJapanese Andromeda 'Katsura' thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for this plant is one where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day, which helps to protect the foliage from harsh midday sun that can cause scorching. Consequently, an eastern exposure or a location under a canopy of light foliage is ideal for this shrub.
TemperatureJapanese Andromeda 'Katsura' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a cooler climate. The plant is capable of surviving temperatures as low as 0°F and up to around 90°F, but it thrives best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme winter cold and hot summer temperatures to maintain its health and vigor.
PruningPrune Japanese Andromeda 'Katsura' primarily to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Pruning is best done after the plant has finished blooming, typically in late spring. Pruning at this time allows the shrub to form buds for the next year's flowers. Light pruning yearly is sufficient for this slow-growing shrub, focusing on thinning out crowded branches to allow air and light to reach the interior of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Andromeda 'Katsura' prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. A mix of peat moss, pine bark, and coarse sand or perlite can create an ideal substrate for healthy growth. Regularly check soil pH to ensure it remains on the acidic side for optimal plant health.
RepottingJapanese Andromeda 'Katsura' should be repotted every 2-3 years to replace nutrient-depleted soil and allow for root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting, using a slightly larger pot to encourage continued growth.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Andromeda 'Katsura' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-80%. Maintaining these humidity levels will support the plant's glossy foliage and overall health without affecting its watering schedule.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Japanese Andromeda 'Katsura' in bright, indirect light with acidic soil.
Outdoor
Plant Japanese Andromeda 'Katsura' in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePieris japonica 'Katsura', commonly known as Japanese andromeda or Lily-of-the-valley shrub, starts its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the spring under moist, shaded conditions. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young plant, developing a robust root system and gradually forming a woody stem with evergreen leaves. Over several years, the young plant matures and enters its flowering stage, typically in the early spring, displaying cascades of bell-shaped flowers that are often vibrant pink when they first emerge, then fading to white. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into small seed capsules that ripen and release seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. During its growth, the Japanese andromeda undergoes yearly cycles of growth and dormancy, with new leaves often appearing in a striking reddish hue before turning green. The plant may live for many years, continuing to grow in size and produce flowers and seeds annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Japanese Andromeda 'Katsura' (Pieris japonica 'Katsura') is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method generally takes place in late summer when new growth has started to mature and harden. For successful propagation, a gardener would cut a piece of semi-hardwood stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure it includes several leaf nodes. The bottom leaves are removed to expose the nodes at the cut end. This end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and then inserted into a mix of peat and perlite. The cutting must be kept moist and in a high humidity environment until roots form, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before transplanting.
