The Shade Loving Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire
Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’ offers four seasons of interest in the garden.
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Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire (Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’) is a cultivar of Japanese Pieris, a slow-growing evergreen shrub native to Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China. It is a member of the heather (Ericaceae) family, which also includes rhododendrons and azaleas. Japanese andromeda is grown for its attractive foliage and pendulous clusters of bell-shaped, lightly scented spring flowers, which can last up to three weeks in zones 5-8.
Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire was selected for its brilliant foliage, which emerges in shades of fiery red and fades to dark green as the season progresses, turning again to shades of burgundy and deep red in autumn. The clusters of white flowers are a favorite source of early spring nectar for mason bees. This evergreen beauty grows slowly to a mature size of 6-8 feet tall and wide, sometimes reaching 12+ feet in height after decades of growth.
This shrub has specific cultural requirements, which give it the reputation of being somewhat fussy to grow. It requires moist, well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, and grows best in full sun to part shade with protection from hot afternoon sun and drying winds.
Plant this Japanese Andromeda along side other acid-loving, partial-shade seekers like Japanese camellias, hollies, rhododendrons and azaleas. As with any other shrub, water deeply on a regular basis until the plant becomes established (see “How to Water your Plants” for help coming up with a watering schedule).
Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire is one of the most deer-resistant shrubs or bushes you can plant. The Pieris japonica species as a whole is given high marks for deer-resistance by Rutgers University on their list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance. Deer don’t like the taste of Japanese Andromeda, and tend to leave it alone. However, no plant is completely “deer-proof”, because deer will eat anything when food is scarce.
It's worth noting that while Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire is a beautiful and popular ornamental plant, parts of it can be toxic if ingested, so it's important to be cautious, especially if you have pets or small children.
The evergreen foliage of Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire.
How to Plant and Grow Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire
Planting: The best time of year to plant Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire is in the spring or fall, giving the roots time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Mountain Fire is a popular, widely available cultivar, but keep in mind that nurseries and garden centers typically have the best selection of plants in the springtime so shop early to avoid disappointment!
Location: Choose a site with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. While Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire can tolerate full sun, it prefers partial shade and protection from the intense afternoon sun.
Wind Protection: Pieris does not like strong, drying winds so be sure to site Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire in a sheltered location.
Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, shredded leaves, or Leaf-gro®, to improve drainage and soil fertility. Ensure that the soil pH is slightly acidic, in the 5.0 to 6.0 range. Consider getting a soil test.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during periods of drought. Deep watering is preferable to encourage the development of a strong root system (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Fertilization: In spring, after flowering, feed Mountain Fire Japanese andromeda with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like Holly-tone®).
Pruning: Prune Mountain Fire Japanese andromeda sparingly; this plant has an attractive shape and is best left alone. Remove dead or damaged branches and prune sparingly to shape, as needed, after the plant has finished flowering.
Is Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire Evergreen?
Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire is an evergreen shrub. It retains its foliage throughout the year and into the next growing season, providing a constant source of visual interest in the garden.
Graceful, oblong, glossy leaves emerge red in the spring, gradually changing to deep green as the growing season progresses. This beautiful Pieris cultivar is a great choice for gardeners looking for a unique shrub with colorful foliage!
Japanese andromeda can be strategically planted alongside other evergreen species that share similar soil preferences for moisture and acidity. Combine with companion plants like camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, fothergillas and hydrangeas in moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire has fragrant white flowers in spring. Image credit: Michel Viard via Canva.com
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Landscaping Ideas for Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire
Mixed Border: Plant Japanese andromeda in a mixed border, alongside other evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Create visual appeal by using plants with a mix of textures, colors, and flowering times.
Woodland Garden: Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire thrives in the dappled sunlight of a woodland garden. Combine it with other part-shade, acid loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain hydrangeas, ferns, and heucheras.
Foundation Planting: The compact and mounded growth habit of Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire makes it ideal for planting along the foundation of your home.
Focal Point, Accent, or Specimen Planting: Use Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire as a focal point or accent plant in the landscape, letting its showy flowers and foliage be the star of your garden.
Japanese Garden: The graceful, elegant form and shape of Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire enhances the serene and contemplative nature of a Japanese garden.
Is Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire Toxic?
Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire (Pieris japonica ‘Mountain Fire’) is toxic to both people and animals. The flowers, leaves, sap and nectar of the plant are poisonous and should not be planted in yards frequented by young children, dogs, and other pets.
If you have children or pets, consider planting one of these non-toxic alternatives to Mountain Fire Japanese andromeda: