This broadleaf evergreen selection grows 6 feet in height and is a hybrid of two Asian species. New growth that appears in spring is deep red before it fades to a dark, shiny green. An abundance of tiny, white urn-shaped flowers hang above the leaves in 4- to 6-racemes in April. If spring is cool, they will last for a few weeks. The buds are formed the previous fall, staying tightly closed and with a pinkish tinge until they open in spring. As an ericaceous plant, related to rhododendrons, Pieris 'Forest Flame' requires well-drained acid soil and does not like clay at all. If you amend soil with peat and provide winter protection, you too can grow pieris in the Midwest. This is a lovely broadleaf evergreen for spring bloom and colorful foliage.