Mountain Fire Lily of the Valley Bush

Mountain Fire Lily of the Valley Bush (Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire') is an evergreen shrub that grows about 2m tall and wide, with umbrellas of long green leaves that open bright rust red. From late winter through spring it carries generous sprays of pure white, nectar-rich bell flowers. It is a woodland-style shrub for shaded borders and pots.

Why you'll love it

• Fiery new growth. Fresh leaves open a bright rust red before turning green, so colour carries on as the flowers finish.
• Sprays of white bells. Pure white flowers hang in generous clusters from late winter through spring.
• Evergreen structure. The long green leaves hold all year, so the shrub earns its place even out of flower.
• Food for pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees early in the season.
• Frost hardy. Young plants need protection from frost, but established plants are hardy.

Where it works best

Shaded borders. Plant 2m apart in part or dappled shade, beneath deciduous trees or along a shaded fence, with a leafy mulch.

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

Pots and containers. A large pot of good quality potting mix suits poor, dry or alkaline garden soil, and keeps the plant close to a patio or door.

Growing Mountain Fire Lily of the Valley Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade or dappled shade. It will stand full sun if it gets enough water, though some leaf scorch may occur. It is frost hardy, but protect young plants from frost until they are established. All parts are poisonous if eaten, to people and pets, so keep it away from children, pets and livestock.

Soil. Acid, humus rich soil that stays moist, the kind found under woodland trees. Dig in leaf mould or composted bark and keep the roots mulched.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly while it establishes, usually around 12 weeks, and do not let it dry out in summer. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune as required after flowering to keep the shape tidy, shortening any stems that reach out too far.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mountain Fire 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. Plant any of them into moist, acid, leafy soil and keep the water up through the first summer.

Tubes are grown for us and are not always available. When the tube is sold out, press the notify button on this page and it 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

• Azaleas to plant alongside
• Browse camellias for shade
• The azalea care guide
• More plants for partial shade

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.

Can it take full sun?

It will stand full sun if it gets enough water, though some leaf scorch may occur. Part shade or dappled shade suits it best.

What soil does it need?

Moist, humus rich, acid soil, much like azaleas. Where your soil is dry, poor or alkaline, use a pot of quality potting mix instead.