Pieris, a member of the Ericaceae family, have long been a shrub we love, but not one that has thrived in our sandy loam soils, and coastal climate. One cultivar of the popular Pieris japonica, which has thrived here is Pieris japonica ‘Dorothy Wyckoff’. This Pieris, was introduced in 1960 by the internationally acclaimed Henry Hohman of Maryland’s Kingsville Nursery, but somewhere in the subsequent years, nurserymen lost the “k” in Dorothy’s last name. Hopefully, we can entice folks to get her spelling corrected. Not only did Hohman name this Pieris after Dorothy, but he also named a boxwood, after her husband, Ed Wyckoff.
This amazing cultivar forms a compact, 5′ tall plant, whose foliage takes on a lovely reddish cast in winter. This is further highlighted by the dark red flower buds, which eventually open to pink. Hardiness is Zone 5-8a.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we love Pieris – all varieties. I have an unknown variety in a large pot here in Vancouver, Washington. It is thriving.
Hello,
Will Pieris Dorothy Wyckoff take direct late afternoon sun? (Open shade rest of the day.)
Thanks!
Mary
Yes, that’s where our plant is growing.
Thank you!! 🙂
Mary