Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub

Pieris japonica 'Passion'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 5-8 and deer-resistant, thriving in partial shade with moist, well-drained acidic soil
Pendulous clusters of deep red, bell-shaped blooms drape the branches each spring, making it one of the most striking flowering evergreens available
Glossy, dark green foliage holds its color year-round, with new growth emerging in rich coppery-red tones for multi-season interest
Compact, tidy habit reaches just 4-5 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide, making it ideal for foundation plantings, borders, and containers

$110⁸⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container | 1-2 ft

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for morning sun with afternoon shade for the best bloom and foliage color. Full sun is tolerable in cooler zones (5-6), but in zones 7-8 afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch and bud stress.

Soil: Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0, enriched with organic matter such as compost or peat. Heavy clay soils should be amended and the planting area raised slightly to improve drainage. Alkaline soil causes yellowing foliage and poor growth, so test your soil before planting and amend accordingly.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and consistently during the first growing season, aiming for about one inch per week to help the root system establish. Once settled in, Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub prefers steady moisture but will not tolerate soggy roots, so avoid low-lying spots where water pools. During hot, dry stretches in summer, supplemental watering prevents leaf scorch and bud drop.

Pruning Tips

Prune lightly just after flowering finishes in late spring, as flower buds for the following year form on old wood later in summer. Removing spent flower clusters encourages healthy bud development and keeps the shrub tidy. Avoid heavy pruning into old woody stems, as this sacrifices next season's blooms and can stress the plant.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed once per year in spring after blooming with a granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, such as an azalea or rhododendron blend. This supports healthy new growth and vibrant foliage without pushing excessive floppy stems. Avoid high-nitrogen, general-purpose fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of flower production and can raise soil pH over time.

Delivery and Shipping

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Flowering, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly, Low Maintenance, Attracts pollinators, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-5 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Red
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Pieris japonica 'Passion'
Species	japonica
Cultivar	Passion
Class	Magnoliopsida, Ericales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

A Showstopper That Earns Its Keep All Year

Few evergreen shrubs generate as much excitement in the early spring garden as Pieris japonica 'Passion.' Just when the landscape is still shaking off winter, this compact beauty erupts in long, pendulous chains of deep red, urn-shaped flowers that cascade from every branch. Known by several common names including Passion Japanese Andromeda and Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub, this cultivar sets itself apart from the typical white-flowered species with blooms that lean toward rose-red, creating a striking contrast against the glossy, deep green foliage.

Four Seasons of Visual Interest

The show does not stop when the flowers fade. As blooms drop in late spring, the new foliage pushes out in warm copper-red tones before maturing to the deep, lustrous green that carries the plant through the rest of the year. By late summer, next season's flower buds are already forming in graceful, arching clusters, so there is always something to admire. In winter, those ornamental bud clusters become a feature of their own, holding color and form when most of the garden has gone quiet.

Where It Fits in the Landscape

Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub is a natural companion for rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and ferns in a woodland-style border. It works equally well as a foundation planting under windows where its moderate size keeps it from overwhelming the structure. The compact form, topping out at 4 to 5 feet tall and spreading 2 to 3 feet wide, makes it manageable in smaller gardens and an excellent candidate for large containers on a shaded patio or entry.

Deer Resistance and Practical Toughness

Gardeners in areas with heavy deer pressure will appreciate that Pieris japonica ranks consistently among the plants deer tend to leave alone, thanks to naturally occurring compounds in its foliage. It also holds up well in urban settings and tolerates the dappled light beneath mature trees. The lightly fragrant flowers attract early-season pollinators searching for nectar when little else is in bloom.

A Note on Toxicity

All parts of Pieris japonica are toxic if ingested by people, dogs, cats, or horses. Plant it in areas where pets and children do not browse, and wear gloves when pruning.

Pair It Well

For a cohesive planting, combine Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub with 'PJM' rhododendrons, Encore azaleas, or Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) at its feet. The color contrast between the red blooms and chartreuse or golden grasses is particularly striking in spring.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones can the Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub survive in?

Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-8. This evergreen Pieris japonica cultivar handles moderate cold but needs protection from harsh winter winds. Plant in partial shade with well-draining, acidic soil for best results.

How often should I water this shrub during its first year?

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first growing season, allowing soil to stay consistently moist but not waterlogged. Pieris prefers well-draining, acidic soil similar to rhododendrons and azaleas. Check soil moisture regularly and adjust based on rainfall and temperature.

Is this plant deer resistant or will I need to protect it?

Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub ranks consistently among plants deer avoid due to naturally occurring compounds in its foliage. This makes it an excellent choice for woodland borders and foundation plantings in areas with heavy deer pressure. You can confidently plant it without additional protection and shop varieties at naturehills.com.

Passion Lily of the Valley Shrub

Pieris japonica 'Passion'