Why Plant Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Pieris?
Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Pieris (a.k.a. Dorothy Wycoff Pieris) will make an elegant addition to your entryway garden, foundation plantings, patio area, or anywhere four-season appeal is a high priority. This classy broadleaved evergreen will bring color to your garden all winter with its lustrous bronzy foliage, which turns to green when the weather warms. In early spring, chains of small urn-shaped pink blossoms will spill out from deep red buds and exude a wonderful light perfume. Compact, sleek, and tidy, Dorothy Wycoff looks at home in formal landscapes both contemporary and traditional and is a smart choice in those intimate outdoor living areas where space is at a premium.
Japanese Pieris is often called Andromeda, although few who use that name realize the rather gruesome story behind it. According to Greek myth, Andromeda was a beautiful princess who was chained to a rock as an offering to a sea monster. The “chains” of flowers on this plant represent her own chains. (We’re happy to report that Perseus rescued the fair maiden before any harm was done.) You may prefer to call this plant the Lily of the Valley Bush, another common name for it. Pieris is native to Japan, Taiwan, and eastern China, though the selection known as ‘Dorothy Wycoff’ arose in the U.S. It originated in New Jersey in 1953 and was jointly introduced by a New Jersey and a Maryland nursery in 1960.
How to use Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Pieris in the landscape?
Japanese Pieris is in the same family as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Blueberries. This family of plants in general likes moist but well-drained, acid soils with lots of organic matter, and Dorothy Wycoff Pieris is no exception. Many of these plants also like afternoon shade in hot climates, and it is in a bit of shade where this Pieris shines its brightest. If Azaleas and Rhododendrons do well in your area, then Dorothy Wycoff may be a natural to invite into your landscape.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
How To Plant Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Pieris
Not a plant for regions with extremes of heat and cold, Pieris prefers the more moderate temperatures of its Japanese homeland and does best where those conditions can be replicated. Plant Dorothy Wycoff Pieris in acidic, moisture-retentive but not boggy soil in a site protected from both intense afternoon sunlight and strong winds. Heavy clay soils that retain too much water invite a deadly root rot disease. On the other hand, drought can take its toll, too. Applying an organic mulch and providing a steady supply of water will help give Dorothy Wycoff what it needs to thrive.
How To Water
Water this plant weekly, in times of hot and dry weather increase your watering regime.
How To Prune
Plants should be pruned in the late spring, just after flowering. Cut the branches above a set of leaves.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
