Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost
Rate of growth: slow-growing
Flowering period: April to May
Hardiness: fully hardy
In early spring, clusters of pretty, dark pink flower buds open up to pale pink to white, nodding bell-like flowers resembling lily-of-the-valley. An acid lover, ‘Bonfire’ can be grown in a large pot filled with ericaceous compost if your soil is not suitable. This compact, evergreen pieris looks wonderful smouldering in a shady shrub border with well-drained acid soil, or a courtyard garden.
Garden care: Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted pine needles or ericaceous compost each year around the base of the plant in early spring. Remove the faded flower-heads in late spring along with any frost-damaged foliage.
