Pieris japonica 'Cupido'

• Pollinators: Attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators to the early spring blooms.
• Wildlife: Deer-resistant, making it suitable for gardens in areas with high deer activity.

• Winter: Evergreen foliage provides year-round color and structure
  
• Early Spring: Masses of small white flowers appear in upright or nodding clusters
  
• Late Spring – Summer: New foliage may flush in bronze or reddish tones, maturing to glossy green
  
  Fall: Seed capsules may remain but are subtle; foliage remains vibrant

• Foundation Plantings – Its compact size and evergreen foliage make it perfect near entryways and borders
  
• Shade Gardens – Thrives in dappled light beneath trees or alongside ferns and hostas
  
• Containers – Slow growth and tidy habit make it ideal for planters or decorative pots
  
• Rock Gardens or Woodland Edges – Natural-looking addition with four-season interest
  
  Mixed Shrub Borders – Offers spring flowers, year-round foliage, and minimal maintenance

• Color: Glossy, dark green leaves, with new growth emerging as red or bronze in spring before maturing to green.
• Shape: Lance-shaped, leathery leaves with finely serrated edges.
• Size: Leaves grow 1-3 inches long, forming a dense, neat mound of foliage.

• Color: Clusters of bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers hang in cascading racemes.
• Bloom Time: Late winter through early spring, with flowers lasting several weeks.
• Size of Blooms: Flower racemes are 4-6 inches long, creating an elegant, drooping display that contrasts beautifully with the dark foliage.
• Fragrance: Lightly fragrant, adding a subtle, sweet scent to your garden.

• Best Time to Plant: Early spring or fall is ideal for planting, allowing the shrub to establish its root system in mild temperatures.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Enrich with organic matter such as compost or peat moss if necessary.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow room for growth and air circulation.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove spent blooms. Minimal pruning is required beyond maintaining its compact form.
• Winter Care: No special winter care is needed in its hardiness zones, as 'Cupido' is cold-hardy and evergreen.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. After establishment, water deeply and less frequently, especially during dry periods.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance once established but performs best with consistent moisture in well-drained soil.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. After establishment, water deeply and less frequently, especially during dry periods.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance once established but performs best with consistent moisture in well-drained soil.

• When to Harvest: Flowers can be cut for fresh floral arrangements when in full bloom in late winter or early spring.

How to Harvest: Use sharp pruning shears to cut flower racemes just above the foliage.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring, just before new growth begins, and again in mid-summer if necessary.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, or apply organic compost around the base to promote healthy growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark or pine needles, to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pests: 'Cupido' is generally pest-free, though it may be susceptible to lace bugs or aphids. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Disease: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like root rot or leaf spot. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

• Self-fertile (monoecious) – each plant bears both male and female flower parts
  
• Flowers:
  
• Small, bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers in clusters (resembles lily-of-the-valley)
  
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring (typically March–April)
  
• Attractive to early pollinators like bees
  
  Pollination Method: Insect-pollinated (primarily bees)

Pair Pieris ‘Cupido’ with plants that thrive in acidic, well-drained soils and partial shade:

🌸 Flowering Companions

• Rhododendron or Azalea – Bloom around the same time and prefer similar soil
  
• Camellia japonica – Adds color contrast and staggered seasonal blooms
  
• Helleborus (Lenten Rose) – Early spring flowers that complement Pieris's bloom time
  
• Hydrangea serrata – Especially in dappled shade where moisture is available
  

🌾 Foliage and Texture Companions

• Ferns (Polystichum, Athyrium) – Add delicate contrast to Pieris’s leathery leaves
  
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Offers a wide range of foliage colors beneath the upright shrub
  
• Hosta varieties – Excellent ground-level texture contrast in shaded beds
  
  Vaccinium ovatum (Evergreen Huckleberry) – Another acid-loving evergreen with edible berries