Japanese Andromeda 'Cavatine', Japanese Pieris 'Cavatine', Fetterbush 'Cavatine', Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub 'Cavatine', Andromeda japonica 'Cavatine'
Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’ is an attractive and versatile evergreen shrub, well-regarded for its compact growth and profuse flowering.
‘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.
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.
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 |
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 Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’ (Japanese Andromeda) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’ (Japanese Andromeda) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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