Pieris are popular evergreen shrubs for much the same situations as rhododendrons, often growing together in the wild. There are some dwarf forms, but most are capable of growing several metres tall in time. The inflorescences are hanging racemes of many small bell-shaped flowers, appearing early in the year and lasting for a long time.

Pieris japonica 'Pygmaea' is a really dwarf variety, with neat, tiny leaves, as bright green as any other kind. As would be expected, it is slow growing, and can take some years before it flowers - but as it is grown primarily for its foliage, I would regard that as a virtue. Great in a trough in a shady place.