Pieris japonica ‘Forest Flame’
General Description
Pieris japonica ‘Forest Flame’ is an elegant evergreen shrub that combines year-round structure with striking seasonal displays. Belonging to the heath family (Ericaceae), it shares a lineage with rhododendrons and heathers, bringing similar charm and woodland character into the garden. Its appeal lies in the dramatic flush of new foliage, which emerges in brilliant shades of fiery red before softening to pink, cream, and finally settling into a deep, glossy green. This constant transformation ensures visual interest across the seasons.
Naturally bushy and upright in habit, ‘Forest Flame’ makes an ideal feature plant, lending both color and architectural presence to borders, woodland gardens, and shaded corners. Its refined form, combined with the contrast of foliage and delicate spring blossoms, makes it one of the most celebrated ornamental shrubs for temperate gardens.
Foliage
The foliage is the true hallmark of ‘Forest Flame.’ Young shoots emerge in vivid scarlet tones that give the plant its fiery name. As the leaves mature, they pass through soft shades of pink and cream before reaching a rich, deep green that persists year-round. Each leaf is narrow and leathery, adding texture as well as color to the planting scheme.
Flowers
In early to mid-spring, the shrub produces graceful clusters of small, bell-shaped white flowers, reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley. These blooms hang in pendant sprays and provide a delicate contrast to the bold foliage. Lightly fragrant, they attract bees and early pollinators, enhancing both ornamental and ecological value in the garden.
Size and Habit
A slow- to moderate-growing shrub, ‘Forest Flame’ typically reaches between 2.5 and 4 meters in height and spread when fully mature. Its growth habit is upright yet naturally bushy, requiring little intervention to maintain its shapely form. With occasional pruning after flowering, it can be kept compact and tidy in smaller gardens or containers.
Growing Conditions
‘Forest Flame’ thrives in lime-free, acidic soil that is moist yet well drained, much like the conditions favored by rhododendrons. It performs best in partial shade, though it will tolerate full sun if the soil retains adequate moisture. Hardy, winter temperatures down to around –15 °C (5 °F).
Garden Uses
This shrub is most often grown as a specimen plant, where its year-round foliage drama can be fully appreciated. It excels in woodland gardens and shaded borders, and also adapts well to large containers on terraces or patios. Pairing it with other acid-loving companions such as azaleas, camellias, and heathers creates harmonious planting schemes with layered seasonal interest.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
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