The fruit is a woody capsule which splits into five sections to release the numerous small seeds.

The genus name derives from Pieria, a place in Greece, according to Greek mythology the home of the Muses.

They prefer acidic soil, and should be mulched once per year, using a two-inch covering of either peat or composted pine needles.

The flowers give the plant one of its alternative names, 'Lily of the valley shrub' (though Pieris is not closely related to Convallaria).

The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-[3] Pieris floribunda (mountain fetterbush) has been noted as highly toxic.