Pieris japonica 'Katsura'

Pieris japonica 'Katsura': Lilac Winter Buds and Cascading Pink Spring Bells

Pieris japonica 'Katsura' brings colour to the garden before spring has fully arrived, starting with lilac flower buds that form in winter and promise what’s coming. In spring, arching racemes of pink, bell-shaped flowers cascade over glossy evergreen foliage, creating a soft, layered look that feels both elegant and bright. Just as the flowers peak, new growth emerges wine-red, then matures to deep green for a rich, polished finish through the rest of the season. Compact and mounded, it’s a beautiful way to add year-round structure with a standout spring highlight.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 3–5’
• Spread: 3–5’
• Flower Colour: Pink (from lilac buds)
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Foliage: Glossy evergreen; new growth emerges wine-red in spring, maturing to dark green
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: An excellent shrub for foundation plantings, evergreen groupings, and woodland-edge borders where you want dependable structure and early-season interest. The winter buds add colour in the quiet months, the spring flower chains brighten shaded beds, and the wine-red new growth provides a second wave of seasonal drama. Use it as a focal point near an entry or patio, or repeat it in groups to create a refined evergreen rhythm with a spring payoff.

Care Instructions: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and summer dry spells, and mulch to protect shallow roots and conserve moisture. Plant in acidic, organic-rich soil for best vigour and leaf colour, and avoid alkaline conditions. Prune lightly right after flowering if shaping is needed, and remove any winter damage in spring. In exposed sites, some shelter from harsh winter wind helps keep the foliage looking its best.

History: Pieris japonica is a broadleaf evergreen native to eastern Asia, long valued for its early spring bloom and year-round presence. 'Katsura' is especially admired for its lilac winter buds, pink bell flowers, and the wine-red flush of new growth that adds extra colour beyond the bloom season.

Final Thoughts: For gardens that need evergreen structure with a real spring moment, Katsura delivers buds, blooms, and fresh new foliage colour in one compact, beautifully finished shrub.