'INTERSTELLA' Andromeda (Pieris japonica x 'interstella')

Pieris is related to rhododendron and requires similar conditions: acidic, moist, well drained soil and protection from the worst of winter winds. A 2-3" layer of mulch is very beneficial to keep the soil cool and evenly moist. 'Interstella' is one of the earliest blooming plants, starting its display of beautiful, bell-like, ruby-colored flowers before the calendar (and the weather!) even say its spring. And there are hundreds of them, dangling delicately from fine stems against a gorgeous evergreen backdrop. The flowers persist for a very long time - two months or more, often - and when they are done, the plant begins a dazzling display of star-like bright red new growth.

This plant should not be regularly pruned or cut back, but you may selectively remove branches as needed to develop the shape you wish.

Zones 5-8

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