Pieris Mountain Fire

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'

$86⁶⁶

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Evergreen, Flowering, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, and Container Friendly

Specifications

Botanical Name

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'
Height

6-8 ft
Width

6-8 ft
Growing Zones

5-8
Sunlight
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Slow
Flower Color
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
Fall Color

Evergreen
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, OR

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of light for the best color. In warmer southern climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch, while gardeners in cooler zones can plant it in more sun to maximize the fiery red intensity of the new foliage.
Soil: Pieris demands acidic, well drained soil rich in organic matter, much like its cousins the Azaleas and Rhododendrons. If you have heavy clay that stays soggy, mix in plenty of compost or aged pine bark to improve drainage, or consider planting in a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years, your Pieris needs about one inch of water per week to help its root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, this plant is surprisingly drought tolerant, but it still prefers a consistent drink to keep the evergreen leaves looking lush. If watering is hit or miss during the summer, you might notice fewer flower buds or "bud drop" the following spring because the plant is too stressed to support a heavy bloom.

Pruning Tips

Since Pieris sets its flower buds on old wood during the late summer, you should only prune immediately after the spring flowers have faded. Think of this like a light haircut to tidy up the shape and remove spent flower clusters, which signals the plant to put its energy into that famous red new growth rather than seed production. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn or winter, or you will accidentally cut off next year's entire floral display.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your Pieris in early spring before the buds open using a slow-release fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons. This provides the specific nutrients needed to maintain a low soil pH and keep the leaves a deep, glossy green. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that cannot toughen up before the first frost, leading to unsightly winter dieback.

Show-stopper Pieris Mountain Fire Thrives in Partial Shade!

Gorgeous Fiery Spring Growth
Glossy Green Foliage
Great in Partial Shade
Evergreen
Fragrant White Flowers
Great Size for Privacy
Pollinator Friendly
Xeriscaping
Fire-Wise Landscaping
Drought-Tolerant Once Established

Pieris Mountain Fire (Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'), also know as Japanese Andromeda Mountain Fire, is a partial-shade garden show-stopper! Pieris Mountain Fire offers so many interesting features, you'll wonder why you waited this long to plant a few!

An amazingly ornamental evergreen, Mountain Fire will add some gorgeous color to your landscape year-round! From the start of the year, the foliage has flaming red, early spring hues, and in summer as it ages it turns burgundy then to a deep green for the main portion growing season. In winter it is thoroughly evergreen and stays that way until spring's red leaves arrive.

The spring foliage is always mixed with the previous year's leaves of pure green, so it looks almost like red flowers blooming on the bush. It doesn't take long, though, for the red leaves to give way to fragrant clusters of pinkish-white flowers that form in unusual hanging chains and dangle from the plant.

Looking similar to Lily of the Valley, these blooms on Pieris Mountain Fire will cause a lot of garden chatter! Pollinators will adore your Mountain Fire as much as you will!

How to Use Pieris Mountain Fire In The Landscape

Broadleaf evergreen shrubs are perfect additions throughout the landscape to provide greenery spring, summer, fall and winter! Looking fabulous in Asian-inspired gardens and both informal and formal plantings, cottage and rustic gardens alike!

This slightly arched shrub can easily be shaped into a lovely low privacy hedge, or it fits nicely into tight spots as a foundation plant. If left to its own devices, this creates a sizeable privacy hedge and screen with year-round protection. Its slower-growing nature makes them ultra-low maintenance and requires little pruning.

Try Mountain Fire in your mixed border and with spikier evergreens like Holly or Juniper for a great year-round show. The evergreen foliage of this shrub will make it a permanent fixture to your shrub border or to accent your other shrubs, becoming a verdant backdrop for perennials and smaller shrubs.

The fiery red new growth and dark green, glossy foliage make Mountain Fire a unique and stand-out focal point.

#ProPlantTips For Care

For best results, Japanese Pieris thrives in moderately fertile, organically rich, humusy, and slightly acidic soil. These do best in well-drained soil and do not like to sit in standing water at all.

Once established however Pieris is highly drought tolerant and great plantings for Xeriscaping and fire-wise plantings.

Doing best in partial shade, Pieris in dappled sun and cold winters benefit greatly with mulch around the base of the root system. You might need to give it a little TLC and protect it in winter until it is established.

Mountain Fire Japanese Pieris will become your garden's stand-out specimen plant with year-round appeal. Don't miss having one of these beauties in your garden this year! Call to order yours from Nature Hills Nursery today!

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mountain Fire® Pieris deer resistant?

Yes, deer do not prefer the taste of Pieris shrubs, making them an excellent low-maintenance choice for areas with browsing wildlife.

What type of soil does Mountain Fire® Pieris need?

It thrives in humusy, organically rich, slightly acidic soil that drains well. Avoid planting it where water collects.

Does Mountain Fire® Pieris attract pollinators?

Absolutely. Its spring flower clusters are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Can Mountain Fire® Pieris be grown as a hedge?

Yes, it makes a fantastic low to medium privacy hedge or screen thanks to its dense evergreen foliage and slightly arched habit.

How big does Mountain Fire® Pieris get?

This shrub grows into a sizeable form with enough presence to stand out as a focal point or anchor plant in the garden.

My Favorite Plant Store

Beautiful, healthy, well watered and perfect size to blend in with my Pieris Mountain Fire's I planted last year. Arrived sooner than expected. Will order again.

Dear Kathleen,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that the plants arrived healthy, well cared for, and in just the right size to complement your Pieris Mountain Fire. It’s fantastic that your order arrived sooner than expected, as we know how exciting it is to get new plants ready to thrive in your garden. We look forward to helping you find even more great additions to your landscape in the future. If you ever need tips on plant care or suggestions for companion plants to further enhance your collection, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Unique foliage

The foliage is what I like about this plant. The reds and greens transformation throughout the year is very attractive.

Dear Nettie,

Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation of the Pieris Mountain Fire’s unique foliage! We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoy the vibrant reds and greens and their beautiful transition throughout the year. This plant truly is a standout with its seasonal color show, and it’s wonderful to know it brings such charm to your garden.

If you’re interested in enhancing your Pieris Mountain Fire’s display even further, try planting it where it gets morning sun and some afternoon shade—that will encourage the best foliage color intensity. Also, mulching can help maintain soil moisture and protect the roots, especially during colder months.

Should you have any questions as your lovely plant grows, or if you want advice on companion plants that pair beautifully with Pieris, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your gardening journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Shade tolerant

I purchased this plant because I have partially shaded area that needed color. I have been very happy with the mountain fire. the flowers and the foliage look nice year around.

Hello Coach,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Pieris Mountain Fire! We’re delighted to hear that its vibrant flowers and year-round foliage have brought wonderful color and life to your partially shaded area. This plant truly is a fantastic choice for spots with less sunlight, and we appreciate you highlighting its performance in your garden.

If you ever want tips on keeping your Pieris thriving—like watering practices during warmer months or protecting it from harsh frost—we’re here to help. Also, pairing it with other shade-loving plants can create a stunning layered garden display! Feel free to reach out anytime for personalized recommendations.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Shade tolerant

I purchased this plant because I have partially shaded area that needed color. I have been very happy with the mountain fire. the flowers and the foliage look nice year around.

Hello Coach,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Pieris Mountain Fire! We’re delighted to hear that this beautiful, shade-tolerant plant has brought such consistent year-round color and charm to your partially shaded area. It’s always a pleasure to know our plants are thriving and adding joy to your landscape.

If you ever need tips on optimal care for your Mountain Fire, a little extra water during dryer spells and acidic soil conditions usually keep these shrubs healthy and colorful. Mulching around the base can also help keep moisture in and roots cool in shaded spots. And of course, if you want to complement your garden with other shade-friendly options, feel free to reach out – we’re here to help you grow your perfect space!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Unique foliage

The foliage is what I like about this plant. The reds and greens transformation throughout the year is very attractive.

Hi Nettie,

Thank you so much for sharing your appreciation of the Pieris Mountain Fire! We absolutely agree—the vibrant dance of reds and greens that this plant displays truly brings a unique and captivating touch to any garden throughout the seasons. It’s wonderful to hear that you’re enjoying that beautiful foliage change.

If you’d like to keep those colors vibrant year-round, ensuring your Pieris is planted in partial shade and in well-draining, acidic soil can make a big difference. Regular watering during dry spells and a light application of mulch can also help maintain its health and coloration.

Should you ever have questions about care or want suggestions for companion plants that highlight the Pieris Mountain Fire, feel free to reach out. We’re always here to help your garden flourish.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

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Pieris Mountain Fire

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