Japanese Andromeda

andromedapierisevergreenacid-lovingshade plant

Japanese andromeda is an elegant evergreen shrub that captivates three times a year: in spring with graceful, drooping clusters of white bell-shaped flowers; then with spectacular red or bronze new foliage that gradually turns green; and year-round with its compact, glossy canopy. A jewel in the shade border.

See in your garden

Characteristics

Sun: Partial shade
Water: Medium
Height: 100–300 cm
Spread: 100–200 cm
Hardiness zone: 5–8
Family: Ericaceae
Evergreen: Yes
Flower colors: white
Wildlife value: bees

Bloom period

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade in acid, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Keep the ground evenly moist. Mulch annually with leaf compost or conifer bark. Water with rainwater in areas with chalky tap water. Protect from cold spring winds that can damage the flowers.

Pruning tips

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Remove spent flower clusters to redirect energy to leaf growth. Japanese andromeda grows slowly and rarely needs hard pruning. Remove dead or diseased branches as you notice them.

Good companions

Pink camellia flower with glossy dark green leaves in early spring

Shrubs

Camellia japonica

Japanese Camellia

Japanese camellia is a stunning evergreen shrub with glossy dark green foliage and spectacular, rosette-shaped flowers in red, pink or white appearing from January to April — a welcome splash of colour in early spring. The elegant blooms resemble roses and can be double or single-petalled.

Partial shadeMedium200–400 cm

Purple flower clusters of rhododendron in a shaded garden

Shrubs

Rhododendron catawbiense

Rhododendron

The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.

Partial shadeMedium150–300 cm

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded garden

Perennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm