Holly grapes are rarely bothered by pests but should be planted in a sheltered place in northern areas to prevent winter winds from dehydrating foliage. To control size, prune tall canes to the ground in early spring. Buds for the following spring form in summer, and are decorative all fall and winter. Andromedas are effective planted in a border or singly on a lawn. Native to central and southern Japan where it has traditionally been a favorite for tea gardens and temple gardens.
Japanese andromeda is a broad-leaved evergreen shrub with handsome foliage and graceful flowers.
Japanese gardeners often plant it in groups, either under large trees or beside rocks. Andromedas become 8 to 12 feet tall and have pleasantly curving branches. After the blooms fade, new pink-green buds form and remain on the bushes until the following spring, giving the plants the appearance of being in bloom throughout most of the year. Japanese andromedas grow slowly, reaching their maximum height in 10 to 15 years. If sheltered, they tolerate cold relatively well, and they thrive in the salty, breezy air of the seashore, provided the climate is not excessively hot.