Mountain fire pieris vs pieris flaming silver

2 years ago

PNW 8b

Yesterday evening, I noticed that the oakleaf hydrangea in the shady corner of our garden is dead. I am thinking of planting a pieris in its spot. I am debating between pieris mountain fire (I have a small specimen elsewhere in the garden) and a pieris flaming silver.

The plants that are in the vicinity are:

donation camellia (which does not flower - perhaps too much shade?)

hostas

a daphne aureomarginata

I am just worried pieris mountain fire will look blah rest of the year. On the other hand, I the aureomarginata is already variegated so maybe flaming silver (which I don't have) is too much..

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

2 years ago

" On the other hand, I the aureomarginata is already variegated so maybe flaming silver (which I don't have) is too much.. "

That would be my concern as well. I love variegated plants but I think they need to be used in moderation, lest the planting look too busy. I think my only exception would be with hostas when a big mixed planting of all varieties looks great.

Mountain Fire should hold its bright colored new growth well into the season, especially if in more shade than sun, so not quite so long as a big green lump :-))

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Comments (6)

Dorian W (PNW 8b)
Original Author
2 years ago
I am planting that mountain fire. Thank you gardengal!!
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years ago
i really dont understand questions like this..

you need both. and your life will be incomplete forever.. if you dont get both ...

and then you become the local expert on both ...

if you dont have room for both.. get rid of something else ...

ken
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Variegated plants are great ways to liven up a spot in the garden. I have both of those cultivars. They each have their purpose in my landscape. I would opt for Flaming Silver if all the other plants around it are mostly green. The Daphne has light edges, but is not all that noticeable from a distance like Flaming Silver might be. It is also a bit slower growing than Mountain Fire. So I'd go with that one. They like good drainage.

If you are a Pieris lover, you might even consider 'Katsura' which boasts deep maroon new growth. Especially stunning if backlit! It's one of my favorites. It can periodically put out this new growth throughout the growing season.
Dorian W (PNW 8b) thanked Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
Dorian W (PNW 8b)
Original Author
2 years ago
That is a lovely katsura. Just realized it has pink flowers which is nice.
westes Zone 9b California SF Bay
last year
What about Pieris Dorothy Wycoff? This has a red/white flower and hints of the red on new leaf growth, so it might complement the other Mountain Fire Pieris.