As the days get shorter and the temperature starts to drop, we aren’t the only ones looking for a cozy spot indoors. Plenty of our favorite outdoor plants also need a little help finding a temperate place to hunker down for the winter. But what about Lily of the Valley Shrub (also known as *Pieris japonica* or Lavendelheide)? Does it need to come inside, or can it handle the chill? Let’s dive into how this garden favorite handles the frost.
Totally Winter Hardy
The good news is that Lily of the Valley Shrub is very well-adapted to our winters. In fact, most varieties are hardy down to -10°F (-23°C). The only real exception to watch out for is the *Pieris forrestii* variety, which isn’t quite as tough when the mercury drops.
Pro Tip: Since this shrub is not only winter-hardy but also evergreen, it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking to create a year-round privacy hedge.
The Exception: Container Gardening
While they are tough in the ground, Lily of the Valley Shrubs lose some of that natural frost resistance when grown in pots. If yours is in a container, you’ll need to give it a little extra TLC:
- Give it a very light trim.
- Insulate the pot by wrapping it in burlap, bubble wrap, or garden fleece.
- Elevate the pot off the cold ground by placing it on a wooden board or a thick piece of Styrofoam.
- Move the pot to a sheltered spot near a house wall (just avoid south-facing spots where it might get too much direct sun).
Winter Sun? No Thanks!
Here’s a quirky fact: Lily of the Valley Shrub is actually quite sensitive to the winter sun. Because the plant starts forming its flower buds back in the fall, a combo of hard frost and intense UV light can actually kill off next year’s blooms. You definitely want to make sure it’s in a protected spot.
Protecting Your Shrub from the Sun
If your plant is in a pot, it’s easy to just scoot it into the shade. But if your *Pieris* is planted in the ground, you’ll want to take these steps:
- Cover the shrub with some evergreen boughs (like pine or spruce branches).
- Make sure all those delicate buds are tucked away and covered.
- You can go ahead and remove this winter “blanket” in February.
Pre-Winter Maintenance
Just because Lily of the Valley Shrub is winter-hardy doesn’t mean you can totally ignore it until spring! Here is how to prep your plant for the big chill:
Pruning
If you missed your chance to prune after the flowers faded in early summer, take a moment in the fall to remove any dead or crossing branches. Just don’t go overboard—avoid any radical heavy pruning this late in the year.
Watering
Since this is an evergreen, it keeps losing moisture through its leaves all winter long—especially when the sun is out. Make sure to give it a drink on days when the ground isn’t frozen.
Pro Tip: You can put the fertilizer away for the season; your shrub doesn’t need any extra feeding during its winter nap.
