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Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’ (Japanese Andromeda)

Japanese Andromeda 'Cavatine', Japanese Pieris 'Cavatine', Fetterbush 'Cavatine', Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub 'Cavatine', Andromeda japonica 'Cavatine'

AGM Award
Pieris japonica 'Cavatine', Japanese Andromeda 'Cavatine', Japanese Pieris 'Cavatine', evergreen shrub

Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’ is an attractive and versatile evergreen shrub, well-regarded for its compact growth and profuse flowering.

Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’: An In-depth Look

‘Cavatine’ is known for its dense, mounding habit and profusion of delicate, bell-shaped white flowers. It is a smaller and more compact version of the species, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.

Native: This cultivar is derived from Pieris japonica, native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan.

Plant Type and Habit: It is an evergreen shrub with a compact, rounded growth habit. The plant forms a neat, mounded shape, making it ideal for use in smaller gardens or as a foundation planting.

Size: ‘Cavatine’ is a dwarf cultivar, growing to about 2-4 feet in height and spread (60-120 cm).

Flowers: It produces clusters of small, white, urn-shaped flowers that are fragrant and visually striking against the dark green foliage. After flowering, it may produce small fruit capsules, but these are not ornamentally significant.

Bloom Time: The blooming season is in early spring, offering an early burst of flowers in the garden.

Foliage: The leaves are small, glossy, dark green, and lance-shaped. The plant retains its leaves throughout the year, providing continuous greenery.

Bark: The bark is smooth and adds to the overall aesthetic of the shrub.

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses: Perfect for small gardens, rockeries, mixed borders, and as a specimen in woodland settings. It makes a beautiful low informal hedge and its compact size also makes it suitable for container planting.

Hardiness: Hardy in USDA zones 6-8, it can withstand a range of temperatures and conditions.

Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Toxicity: Pieris japonica contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested, particularly to humans, dogs, cats, or horses. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.

Deer and Rabbit: It has some resistance to deer and rabbits, though it’s not completely immune.

Drought: Moderate drought tolerance, but prefers consistent moisture for optimal growth.

Invasiveness: This cultivar is not considered invasive and typically stays within its planting area.

Benefits: Besides its aesthetic appeal, ‘Cavatine’ provides habitat and food for pollinators and is a relatively low-maintenance shrub suitable for many garden designs.

Japanese Pieris Growing Tips

Light: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter areas.

Soil: Thrives in acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Amend soil with organic matter to increase acidity if necessary.

Water: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Pieris japonica prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged.

Fertilizer: Use an acid-forming fertilizer before bloom time in late winter or just after flowering in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can harm the plant.

Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. The ideal time to prune Pieris japonica is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Avoid pruning after it has started to leaf out in spring, as this can limit its flowering potential for the next year.

Propagation: Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Pests and Diseases: Watch for lace bugs, spider mites, scale insects, nematodes, leaf spot, dieback, and root rot. Maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Pieris
Common names Japanese Andromeda, Japanese Pieris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spacing 24" - 48" (60cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pieris japonica ‘Purity’ (Japanese Andromeda)
Pieris japonica ‘Valley Rose’ (Japanese Andromeda)
Pieris japonica ‘Valley Valentine’ (Japanese Andromeda)
Pieris japonica Interstella® (Japanese Andromeda)
Pieris japonica ‘Flaming Silver’ (Japanese Andromeda)
Pieris japonica ‘Little Heath’ (Japanese Andromeda)

Recommended Companion Plants

Azalea and Rhododendron
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Athyrium (Lady Fern)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

45 Terrific Shrubs for Stunning Container Gardens
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Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Ericaceae
Genus Pieris
Common names Japanese Andromeda, Japanese Pieris
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spacing 24" - 48" (60cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Pieris (Andromeda)
Not sure which Pieris (Andromeda) to pick?
Compare Now

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