This picture was taken in April when both flowers and new foliage were showing off at the same time - wowzer!

Pink Passion bears soft pink blossoms.

Dorothy Wyckoff andromeda.

Grape-like clusters full of flowers are the epitome of this beautiful plant.

Valley Fire bears outstanding new foliage in pinkish tones.

Cream coloured margins contrast with the green foliage on variegated Japanese andromedas. Their white flowers add to their charm.

Mature Lily of the Valley shrubs can become quite large especially when they are happy, like this grand specimen.

Common Name: lily-of-the-valley shrub, Japanese andromeda
Botanical Name: Pieris japonica
Form:   upright, vase to oval shaped
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Pieris
Species: japonica
Plant Type:  broadleaf evergreen
Mature Size: 9 to 12 feet x 6 to 8 feet
Growth: medium
Origin: Japan, China, Taiwan
Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
Foliage: alternate, to 3.5” long shiny deep green, new foliage red, orange, bronze or maroon
Flowers: 6 inch or larger mostly pendulous clusters of fragrant, urn-shaped white flowers in early spring, buds form on plant in autumn resembling while pearls
Fruit: brown round capsules
Exposure: full sun to part shade, afternoon shade beneficial
Soil: rich, moist, acidic soil, well-drained
Uses: borders, year round interest, hedgerow, specimen, foundation, accent, background, informal hedge, screen
Propagation:  seeds, softwood cuttings
Pruning: after flowering, if needed, pruning after April removes the flowers
​Problems: lace bug, spider mites, scale insects
Cultivars:  many with different coloured new foliage and flowers
Comments: 
This striking versatile shrub has something to offer every season. Not only does it drip with hanging clusters of little urn shaped flowers, it's foliage is also remarkable. Their broadleaf evergreen leaves provides a great background to other plants, but it is their new foliage that turns heads. Depending on the variety or cultivar immature leaves emerge in colours of red, pink, orange, chartreuse, copper or maroon. The lovely flowers and foliage sit on tiered branches on bushy shrubs that don't need pruning or shaping.
 
The lily-of-the-valley shrub flourishes when it grown in the conditions it favours, however, it will be a sad specimen without correct maintenance and location. Morning sun, afternoon shade and moist, but well-draining acidic soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Lily-or-the-valley shrubs do not like sandy soils, nor drought. Pieris must be mulched with 3 inches of an organic mulch. 
 
Incorrect conditions create problems. Lace bug insects mottle foliage, which weakens the plant and makes it look pale and sickly. To rectify, add compost, well-rotted manure and other organic matter. Mix at least 2 inches into the soil with a rake, trowel or cultivator, then apply the mulch on top of the soil. Water during times of drought, especially during the summer.
 
If you have the time and patience, remove the spent flowers. Leaving the flowers on and not deadheading right will result in fewer flowers next year. Remove dead stems at their base any time of year. To trim overly long branches, cut back to a strong side branch. Note that the leaves are toxic. ​

Their round, woody seedpods are best removed to promote better flowering the following year - if you have the time and patience that is.

Afternoon shade, moist rich soil and organic mulch promote healthy Lily-of-the-Valley Shrubs.

Valley Valentine bell shaped flowers are attached with red calyxes that resemble X's.

This pieris is struggling with lace bugs as it is planted in dry and poor soil that lacks organic matter, no organic mulch. It's also in full sun.