Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Japanese Pieris, Lily-of-the-Valley Bush
- Botanical Name: Pieris japonica ‘Cupido’
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Mature Height: 60-80cm
- Mature Spread: 60-80cm
- Flowering Period: March to May
- Flower Colour: Pure white, bell-shaped clusters
- Foliage: Dark green, glossy evergreen leaves with bronze-red new growth
- Hardiness: RHS H5 (-15°C to -10°C)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5-6.0)
- Aspect: Partial shade to dappled sunlight
- Maintenance: Low
Description
Like delicate porcelain bells dancing in a spring breeze, Pieris japonica ‘Cupido’ brings an enchanting elegance to Irish gardens with its cascading clusters of pristine white flowers. This compact beauty transforms the late winter landscape into a symphony of colour and texture, perfectly suited to our changeable Irish climate.
The magic begins in early spring when drooping panicles of creamy-white, urn-shaped blooms emerge like nature’s own chandelier, creating a stunning contrast against the plant’s glossy dark green foliage. New growth emerges in brilliant shades of bronze and copper, adding year-round interest and a touch of fire to cooler corners of the garden.
‘Cupido’ earned its romantic name from its ability to capture hearts with its refined beauty and manageable size. This hardy cultivar thrives in Ireland’s mild, moist conditions, making it an ideal choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a specimen plant in containers. Its naturally compact habit requires minimal pruning, allowing busy gardeners to enjoy maximum impact with minimal effort.
Partner this stunning shrub with other acid-loving companions such as Rhododendrons, Camellias, or Heathers to create a tapestry of spring colour. Plant beneath deciduous trees or alongside Hostas and Ferns for a sophisticated shade garden that celebrates the subtle beauty of Ireland’s natural woodlands.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Plant in autumn or early spring, spacing 80cm apart to allow for mature spread. Prepare planting holes twice the width of the pot and incorporate plenty of enriched compost for structure and acidity.
For container growing, use ericaceous compost and ensure pots have excellent drainage. Water regularly during dry spells, particularly in the first year after planting, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Mulch annually in spring with bark chips or leaf mould to retain moisture and suppress weeds whilst gradually acidifying the soil. Light pruning immediately after flowering helps maintain shape, though ‘Cupido’ naturally forms an attractive rounded habit.
Feed in early spring with an ericaceous fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. In exposed locations, provide shelter from cold winds to protect the delicate spring blooms.