Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda

Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda - Exceptional Flowers in Part Shade

Bring on the beauty! The Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica 'Dorothy Wycoff') is a beloved broad-leaved evergreen shrub with dark red buds that burst into fragrant, pale-pink bell-shaped flowers in early spring. An early nectar source for pollinators, this ornamental shrub delivers a long-lasting floral show on graceful, dangling racemes.

The new red growth on slender, lance-shaped foliage is just as eye-catching as the flowers. Glossy dark-green leaves stay crisp and elegant all year, while the shrub's upright, mounding form makes it a perfect choice for small spaces and containers.

Introduced in the 1950s in New Jersey, this plant was named after the wife of the plantsman who discovered it. Since then, Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda has proven itself as a high performer in landscapes nationwide. Known also as Andromeda, Fetterbush, or Japanese Andromeda, this garden gem has stood the test of time.

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Key Features

• Dark Red Buds Open to Pale Pink
• Fragrant Flowers in Early Spring
• Long, Hanging Racemes Resemble Lily of the Valley Blooms
• Evergreen Foliage With Glossy Dark Green Leaves and Red New Growth
• Elegant, Upright, Mounding Growth Habit
• Early Nectar Source for Pollinators
• Excellent Landscape Performance Since the 1950s
• Deer-resistant

Landscaping Uses

Use Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda to bring year-round color, structure, and texture to your landscape. This shrub is versatile, graceful, and works beautifully in both formal and informal designs.

• Specimen shrub for front yard or focal point plantings
• Planted in drifts in woodlands for a natural "ribbon" of spring color
• Foundation planting anchor near corners or walls
• Informal or formal hedge (plant 18 inches apart for dense hedge, 3 feet apart for informal spacing)
• Container gardens for patios, balconies, and porches
• Flank entryways or garden seating areas for balance and beauty
• Accent around statues, fountains, or garden features

Care & Maintenance

Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. This reliable, easy-care plant delivers multi-season interest with fragrant flowers, evergreen foliage, and elegant form.

• Planting Time: Best in spring or fall
• Sun Requirements: Full sun or partial shade, at least 4 hours of direct sun daily
• Soil Requirements: Rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soils preferred
• Moisture Needs: Medium water. Use the Finger Test to monitor soil. New plants need consistent moisture during the first year. Container plants dry out faster and need more attention.
• Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of pine straw or bark chips to enrich soil and protect roots. Learn more about mulching here.
• Fertilization Needs: Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in spring, or top-dress with compost.
• Pruning Info: Blooms on old wood. Prune immediately after flowering. Cut flowering branches for indoor arrangements or deadhead clusters after bloom.
• Special Perks: Fragrant blooms, deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, cold-hardy, easy care.

Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster to give your shrub mycorrhizal support from day one.

A Garden Classic With Timeless Beauty

Since the 1950s, Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda has delighted gardeners with fragrant spring flowers, colorful foliage, and elegant evergreen form. It's a living sculpture that fits beautifully in any garden design. Order your Dorothy Wycoff Japanese Andromeda today from Nature Hills, and we'll deliver it right to your door!