Source: Wikimedia Commons
Japanese andromeda
BeginnerPieris japonica
An evergreen shrub endemic to Japan that hangs clusters of small urn-shaped flowers in early spring. White is the wild colour, but pink to deep red forms are popular for bonsai. The whole plant is toxic and must never be eaten.
About
Asebi (Pieris japonica) is an evergreen shrub of the heath family endemic to Japan, found in Honshu (west of Yamagata and Miyagi), Shikoku and Kyushu. It grows in colonies in rather dry woods and on ridges and has been loved since the Man'yoshu. From February to April it hangs urn-shaped flowers 6–8 mm across in clusters 10–15 cm long from the shoot tips. Wild plants are basically white-flowered, with occasional pale pink ones, which are more popular in gardening. Red-flowered forms sold as bonsai and mini bonsai carry names such as akebono-asebi, benibana-asebi or 'Gokubeni', but flower colour varies between individuals and cultivars are hard to pin down. Reddish new leaves are another attraction. Before buying, know that the whole plant contains toxins such as asebotoxin: horses and cattle that eat it stagger as if drunk, giving the name 'horse-drunk tree', and people who eat it can suffer stomach pain, vomiting and breathing difficulty. Place it carefully in homes with children or pets and dispose of prunings properly. Hardy for an evergreen and tolerant of pollution and drought, it is tough; most plants sold are raised from cuttings.
Size of the Japanese andromeda
The Japanese andromeda grows to About 3 m tall in the wild.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan (Honshu west of Yamagata/Miyagi, Shikoku, Kyushu)
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
About 3 m tall in the wild
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (little bonsai-specific data; likes fertile soil)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Shade-loving and sensitive to direct and afternoon sun. About 3–4 hours of sun a day is ideal; deep shade reduces flowering
Temperature & overwintering
Hardy for an evergreen, growing north of its natural range, and tolerant of pollution, salt wind and drought
Soil & repotting
Prefers fertile soil but is tough and unfussy
Pruning & styling
Flowers form at the tips of last year's shoots, so cutting from autumn on loses blooms. Growth is slow—just remove stray and dead shoots
Pests & cautions
Pest-resistant, but poor airflow can bring lace bugs and leaf rollers. The whole plant is toxic—keep it away from children and pets and dispose of prunings safely
Japanese andromeda FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Japanese andromeda?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Japanese andromeda get?
The mature size of Japanese andromeda is About 3 m tall in the wild. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Japanese andromeda?
Japanese andromeda: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (little bonsai-specific data; likes fertile soil). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Japanese andromeda?
The price of Japanese andromeda varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed by CITES and not regulated for domestic sale. It is native to Japan—choose nursery-grown plants rather than wild-collected ones.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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