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Pieris Mountain Fire

Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire'

Nature Hills Nursery
$9291
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Plant Size

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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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!

Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA planting zones is Pieris Mountain Fire hardy in?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. This Japanese Andromeda thrives in cooler to moderate climates and handles winter temperatures down to -30°F. Check your local zone before planting to ensure long-term success.

What is the mature height and spread of Pieris Mountain Fire?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. This slow-growing evergreen shrub maintains a compact, slightly arched form that's perfect for foundation plantings or low privacy hedges. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

Does Pieris Mountain Fire do well in my zone or area (e.g., Kentucky or Virginia)?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire thrives in USDA zones 4-8, making it well-suited for Kentucky and Virginia's climates. This evergreen shrub handles both heat and cold while providing year-round interest with its fiery spring foliage and fragrant white flowers. Plant it in partial shade with well-draining, slightly acidic soil for best results.

What kind of soil does Pieris Mountain Fire need (acidic pH, drainage)?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire requires acidic, well-draining soil with a pH between 4.5-6.0. This shrub won't tolerate wet feet or alkaline conditions. Amend heavy clay with organic matter and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

How much sun or shade does Pieris Mountain Fire require?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire thrives in partial shade conditions. This Japanese Andromeda performs best with some protection from intense direct sunlight while still receiving adequate light for flowering. Plant in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal growth and vibrant spring foliage color.

How do I prune Pieris Mountain Fire, and when is the best time?
  • Prune Pieris Mountain Fire immediately after spring flowering ends to avoid removing next year's buds. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and lightly shape as needed. Since it's slow-growing, minimal pruning is required - just trim for size control or to maintain its natural arched form.

What fertilizer should I use for Pieris Mountain Fire?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire thrives with acid-loving plant fertilizer applied in early spring before new growth emerges. Use an azalea/rhododendron fertilizer or organic compost to maintain the acidic soil conditions this evergreen prefers. Feed once yearly in spring for best results.

Is Pieris Mountain Fire deer resistant?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire is naturally deer resistant due to its toxic compounds. The glossy evergreen foliage and fragrant spring flowers are generally avoided by deer, making it an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure. Plant in partial shade for best results.

Is Pieris Mountain Fire invasive?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire is not invasive and stays well-behaved in the landscape. This slow-growing Japanese Andromeda maintains a manageable size and won't spread aggressively like truly invasive plants. Plant it confidently in partial shade areas where you want reliable, long-term color.

Will Pieris Mountain Fire arrive in good condition, and what is the shipping warranty?
  • Pieris Mountain Fire ships with a guarantee to arrive healthy and ready to plant. As a slower-growing evergreen shrub, it establishes well when planted properly in partial shade conditions. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to ensure the best transplant success.
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