Pieris japonica ‘Dorothy Wyckoff’
Botanical Name: Pieris japonica ‘Dorothy Wyckoff’
Common Name: Dorothy Wyckoff Andromeda
Plant Hardiness: Zone 5
Flower: Red buds open to white flowers that appear pink due to the red sepals
Bloom Time: Early spring – March into April
Foliage: The glossy green leaves are evergreen and turn a reddish bronze during the winter
Fruit: Small dry capsules will persist into winter. These should be removed for best plant growth
Habit: A vigorous grower that is more compact than the species. It is an upright mound that is well branched and nicely shaped
Size: 6 to 9 feet tall with a spread of 4 to 5 feet
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full sun. Does well as an understory plant
Native Habitat: Japan and Eastern China
Other Features: Pieris is deer resistant in most areas
Description
Description: I hadn’t planned on growing this variety, but our propagator, Rick Carlson, brought in some cuttings a few years ago. He must like it a lot because every year I see that there are more cuttings rooted than the year before, so it is up to me to sell them. It is more or less a regular-shaped andromeda; however, its claim to fame is its deep pink buds during the winter, set out against brilliant wine-red winter foliage. This could be very effectively mixed with some other lighter green broadleafed evergreens for winter effect. I must admit I like this variety more and more each year and now feel it’s one of the best.
