How to Grow Pieris Japonica Katsura - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Pieris japonica katsura is a beautiful plant that is native to Japan. It has long, green leaves that are often variegated with white or yellow. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in the spring.

How to Grow Pieris Japonica Katsura - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Lily of the Valley Tree
  • Pink and White Cedar
  • Mountain holly
  • Tree of Heaven
  • False cypress

Common Knowledge

  • Pieris japonica katsurais a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae.
  • It is native to Japan, China, and Korea.
  • It grows to 1–2 m (3–6 ft) tall and wide.
  • The leaves are oblong to elliptical, 5–10 cm (0–9 in) long and 2–3 cm (0.79–18 in) wide, with a serrated margin.
  • The flowers are white, borne in racemes 5–10 cm (0–9 in) long.
  • The fruit is a capsule, 3–5 cm (2–0 in) long, containing many small seeds.
  • It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
  • It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
  • It is sometimes confused with Pieris japonica 'Alba'.
  • It is deer resistant.

Related plant:
Pieris Japonica Forest Flame

Planting Process

  1. For pieris japonica katsura, first step is to grow the plant in a pot.
  2. After the plant has grown in a pot, then transfer it to a larger container or in the ground.
  3. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season.
  4. Fertilize the plant regularly with an organic fertilizer.
  5. Prune the plant regularly to keep it compact and promote growth.
  6. In autumn, pieris japonica katsura produces beautiful flowers.
  7. After the flowering season, the plant produces berries which are poisonous.
  8. Harvest the berries when they are ripe and use them to make jams or jellies.
  9. Store the pieris japonica katsura in a cool and dry place during the winter.
  10. Replant the pieris japonica katsura every few years to keep the plant healthy.

Related plant:
Pieris Japonica Flaming Silver

Soil Condition

About soil condition, pieris japonica katsura prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. It does not like to have its roots wet for long periods of time. It is also important that the soil is acidic with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5.

Light requirement

Similar to other members of the Pieris genus, the Katsura does best in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade will cause the plant to produce fewer flowers. It’s also important to make sure that the plant gets enough air circulation to prevent fungal problems.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the pieris japonica katsura is 20 degrees to -30 degrees. This plant requires full sun to partial shade. It is a slow growing plant that can reach a height of 6 to 10 feet. The flowers of this plant are white and bell shaped.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant can survive in lower humidity but growth will be stunted. If the humidity dips too low, the leaves will begin to brown and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant is known to be rather picky. In terms of root, they are known to be relatively easygoing. This is due to the fact that they have a tendency to remain on the shallower side. For this reason, it is always advisable to check the moisture levels frequently.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a necessary and important step in maintaining your pieris japonica katsura. Pruning not only keeps the plant looking good, but also helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to ensure that your plant has plenty of room to grow and stay healthy.

The Propagation

Propagation of Pieris japonica 'Katsura' is best done by rooting softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 6 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist.They should root within 4-8 weeks.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the soil type, climate and How often you water your plant. A well-drained soil is a must, as the plant will not tolerate being waterlogged. A position in full sun is best, although some afternoon shade is beneficial, especially in hot summer areas. Water well during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spots, root rot, and stem canker. Leaf spots are circular or elliptical in shape and can be up to a quarter of an inch in diameter. They are usually brown or black in color with a yellow or brown border. Root rot is a condition in which the roots of the plant decay. This can be caused by too much water, poor drainage, or a lack of oxygen in the soil. Stem canker is a condition in which the stems of the plant become infected with a fungus. This can cause the stems to become discolored and to break.

List to Know

  • If you are growing your pieris japonica katsura from seed, start them indoors in a seed tray filled with moistened, well-draining potting mix.
  • Keep the seedlings moist, but not wet, and provide them with bright, indirect light.
  • When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix.
  • Place the pots in a bright, indirect light location.
  • Water your pieris japonica katsura plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Fertilize your plants every other week with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  • When the plants are 12 to 18 inches tall, transplant them into the garden or into larger pots.
  • Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
  • Water your pieris japonica k

Alternative Plants

  • Karaya
  • Koala
  • Garaya
  • Lagara
  • Larra
  • Marara
  • Mirara
  • Morara
  • Parara

Source:
Pieris japonica - plantfacts.osu.edu
Pieris japonica | Landscape Plant Propagation Information | Plant ...
Pieris japonica habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …

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