This is the journal of my endeavours to grow a range of fruit, veg and flowers from seed, grow organically, and my attempts to create a personal paradise with 1/2 acre of maintained gardens and 1/2 acre wild meadows. Northern Ireland's average daily high temperatures are 18 °C (64 °F) in July and 6 °C (43 °F) in January. Soil type: Clay

Sunday, 17 November 2013

Forest Flame and the Irish Garden

One of the most common plants in Irish gardens is the Pieris evergreen shrub. Not sure why these plants are so popular, maybe because they're inexpensive and fairly hardy. I see it in garden after garden; I have three in my own garden. It's one of those plants that changes appearance throughout the seasons. I used to think these plants were all 'Forest Flame' but looking on the internet there are different varieties such as 'Bert Chandler'. I still think I have the 'Forest Flame' variety which is probably one of the most common Pieris type.
Above: Photo taken Oct 2013 - The little white flowers are an added benefit in the garden - although the flowers aren't particularly noticeable from afar.
Above: Photo taken May 2013 - the young leaves are starting to turn bright red.
Above: Photo taken June 2013 - the young foliage goes from bright red, to pink, and cream. Then to green.
Above: Photo taken October 2013 - I find the shrub slightly difficult to shape, therefore, they can look a little untidy (as in this photo). I believe this shrub only takes light pruning after flowering but I usually forget.

Copyright: All words and photos are property of Kelli's Northern Ireland Garden.
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11 comments:

  1. Sally17 November 2013 at 16:19

    Beautiful shrub. I love how it goes from pink to green instead of vice versa.

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  2. Sue Garrett18 November 2013 at 01:36

    Do you get the blueberry shaped flowers too which are pretty when fully open. Ours is covered in bud at the moment.

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  3. Mark Willis18 November 2013 at 10:28

    A shrub that only tolerates light pruning is probably not the right one for me! :)

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  4. Julie 18 November 2013 at 12:52

    Such a colourful shrub :o)

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  5. ann18 November 2013 at 13:52

    It is a beautiful plant; thus, its popularity.

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  6. Angie19 November 2013 at 07:37

    Very popular here in Scotland too - you don't have to go far to find one! I used to have a dislike for them - until I realised their usefulness in the garden. I now have 3. Yours are lovely Kelli.

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  7. Egretta Wells blog19 November 2013 at 15:29

    It's great to have a shrub that changes so much and adds interest at different times to the garden. I love it!

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  8. Jo22 November 2013 at 03:48

    It looks like it adds lots of interest to the garden.

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  9. Ela24 November 2013 at 12:47

    Such a beautiful collection of plants

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  10. RobinL24 November 2013 at 17:27

    I've seen these here, but they are not exactly common. I think our soil is too alkaline to please them. But I had no idea they were so colorful throughout the seasons, that's just the kind of garden plant I enjoy most.

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  11. Malar27 November 2013 at 16:19

    Such a beautiful Shrub and flowers!

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