GLOWING LANTERNS

Grown for its early spring display, the pink or pure white flowers of Pieris japonica appear to hang weightlessly, like delicate paper lanterns. The blooms emerge from bright pink buds among polished evergreen leaves, which are bronze or wine-red when young and mature to a deep green. It thrives in moist but welldrained, acidic soil in sun or dappled shade and needs a good mulch with ericaceous compost or well-rotted pine needles every spring. It also does well in a container, suiting large or small locations. As the season progresses, its pollen-rich flowers draw bees to the garden.