Images Depict Mature Plants
Vivid new growth and evergreen color for shaded landscapes
A bold evergreen that puts on a spring color show.
Glowing Hearts™ Pieris is a standout broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its brilliant scarlet new growth. Fresh foliage emerges in glowing red tones that make the plant look almost lit from within, then gradually softens through lighter tones before maturing to glossy green. That changing foliage color gives this shrub more movement and visual depth than many traditional evergreens.
Spring flowers add another layer of beauty.
In early to mid-spring, Glowing Hearts™ Pieris produces graceful drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range from soft pink to pinkish-white, sometimes reading lighter as they open. The blooms add elegance and seasonal contrast against the vivid foliage, making this shrub especially appealing when you want a planting that feels refined but still eye-catching.
Evergreen structure keeps the garden looking finished.
Because Glowing Hearts™ Pieris is evergreen, it continues to provide substance and polish well beyond bloom season. Mature foliage settles into a deep glossy green, giving the plant year-round structure in borders and foundation beds. Flower buds can also add winter interest before opening in spring, extending the plant’s ornamental value across multiple seasons.
A strong fit for foundations, borders, and woodland-style gardens.
This shrub works beautifully in foundation plantings, mixed evergreen borders, specimen placements, woodland gardens, and mass plantings. It is also a strong companion for azaleas, camellias, ferns, and other acid-loving plants. Where space allows, Glowing Hearts™ Pieris can act as a colorful anchor shrub that brightens part-shade settings without relying on nonstop bloom.
Best performance comes from smart siting.
Glowing Hearts™ Pieris performs best in part shade and in acidic, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It does not want heavy, soggy soils or harsh afternoon exposure in hotter climates. It is often regarded as deer-resistant, but that should be treated as relative rather than absolute. In general, this shrub is easiest to keep looking its best when it has consistent moisture, good drainage, and protection from extreme site stress.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 5 to 8 feet |
| Mature Width: | 5 to 8 feet |
| Sunlight: | Part Shade to Part Sun |
| Soil | Acidic, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter |
| Water | Moderate; water regularly during establishment and dry periods |
| Bloom Time / Color | Early to mid-spring; soft pink to pinkish-white bell-shaped flowers |
| Foliage: | Brilliant scarlet-red new growth maturing to glossy dark green |
| Ornamental Features | Intense spring flush, evergreen foliage, cascading flowers, strong year-round structure |
| Wildlife Value | Flowers can support pollinators |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Commonly considered deer resistant; prefers consistent moisture and protected siting |
| Landscape Uses | Foundation plantings, specimen shrub, woodland borders, mixed evergreen beds, mass plantings |
How to Care for Glowing Hearts™ Pieris
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Glowing Hearts™ Pieris for years to come!
How should I plant Glowing Hearts™ Pieris?
Plant Glowing Hearts™ Pieris in part shade and in acidic, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball, set the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, then backfill and water deeply to help settle the roots. After planting, add mulch to help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, but keep it a few inches away from the stems. This shrub is best placed where it is protected from harsh afternoon sun and from wet, poorly drained soil that can stress the roots.
How often should I water Glowing Hearts™ Pieris after planting?
Water Glowing Hearts™ Pieris deeply right after planting, then keep the soil consistently moist through the first growing season. In most conditions, that means checking the soil regularly and watering whenever the top layer begins to dry, especially during warmer weather. Once established, Glowing Hearts™ Pieris still performs best when it does not dry out completely. Deep watering during extended dry periods helps support healthy evergreen foliage and reduces stress during summer heat.
When should I fertilize Glowing Hearts™ Pieris?
Fertilize Glowing Hearts™ Pieris in early spring as new growth begins. A fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants is usually the best fit, especially if your soil trends neutral or alkaline. Avoid heavy feeding or repeated late-season fertilizing. Too much fertilizer can encourage soft growth without improving the plant’s long-term performance, so one light annual feeding is often enough in a healthy garden soil.
When and how should I prune Glowing Hearts™ Pieris?
Prune Glowing Hearts™ Pieris lightly after flowering if shaping is needed. This timing helps preserve future flower buds and keeps the plant’s natural habit intact. Most plants need very little pruning beyond removing damaged branches, spent blooms, or an occasional stray stem. Selective thinning is usually better than heavy shearing, especially on a shrub grown for both foliage display and flowering.