Christmas Cheer Lily of the Valley Bush

Christmas Cheer Lily of the Valley Bush (Pieris japonica 'Christmas Cheer') is an evergreen shrub that grows 1.5 to 2.5m tall and wide, with umbrellas of glossy green leaves. From late winter through spring it carries sprays of nectar-rich, urn-shaped white flowers tipped with pink, opening from deep pink buds very early in the season. It is a woodland-style shrub for shaded borders and pots.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers from late winter. Deep pink buds open to white, pink-tipped urns while most gardens are still bare.
• Interest across the seasons. Glossy evergreen foliage, bright new leaf colour and sprays of bell flowers give it more than one season of appeal.
• Food for bees. The nectar-rich flowers draw pollinators in when little else is out.
• Frost hardy once established. Young plants need frost protection; after that it is hardy.
• A good companion. It looks right mixed with azaleas and camellias, and it can go under deciduous trees.

Where it works best

Shaded borders. Plant 1.5m apart in part to full shade, beneath deciduous trees or along a south facing fence, with leaf mould mulch around it.

Beside azaleas and camellias. It shares their need for moist, acid, humus rich soil, so the three grow happily together.

Pots and containers. If your soil is poor, dry or alkaline, plant it in a large pot of good quality potting mix instead.

Growing Christmas Cheer Lily of the Valley Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Part to full shade. It is frost hardy once established, but protect young plants from frost. It is happiest in mild to cool climates, and is less reliable in hot, humid gardens. All parts are poisonous if eaten, to people and pets, so keep it away from children, pets and livestock.

Soil. Moist, humus rich and acid soil. If yours is poor, dry or alkaline, grow it in a pot of good quality potting mix instead.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, and keep the soil moist afterwards. Fertilise with a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune as required after flowering to maintain shape. It needs little more than a tidy of any wayward stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Christmas Cheer Lily of the Valley Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. The 140mm and 200mm pots arrive larger than the tube and give a fuller shrub sooner, while the tube is the economical starter. The pink in the flowers develops as the plant matures, so a young plant's first sprays may be paler.

The tube comes from our grower, so it is not always in stock. A sold out tube simply means none is available today, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse azaleas to plant alongside
• Camellias for shaded gardens
• What to plant in shade
• How to lower soil pH

Common questions

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. All parts of pieris are poisonous if eaten, to people and pets. Keep it away from children, pets and livestock, and do not plant it where they can chew it.

Why are the flowers white, not pink?

Flower colour develops on more mature plants, so a young plant's first sprays may be paler. Over time the pink tips and deep pink buds become more obvious.

What soil does it need?

Moist, humus rich, acid soil. If your soil is poor, dry or alkaline, grow it in a pot of good quality potting mix.