Climbing Fetterbush
Pieris phillyreifolia
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Climbing Fetterbush
Climbing Fetterbush (Pieris phillyreifolia) is an extremely rare native Florida vine in the heath family, notable for growing beneath the bark of pond cypress and black gum trees. It produces small, white urn-shaped flowers and has narrow, leathery evergreen leaves resembling those of its shrubby Pieris relatives. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter, Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Climbing Fetterbush requires partial to full shade. In NE Florida, plant it beneath deciduous trees or on the north/east side of structures where it can receive filtered light and climb a host trunk or trellis.
This native requires consistently moist, acidic soil — it naturally grows in swamps, moist pinelands, and stream edges. Water regularly and mulch well to retain moisture. It does not tolerate drought.
Plant in moist, acidic, organic-rich soil (pH 4.5–6.0). Sandy soils should be amended with peat or composted organic matter. No supplemental fertilizer is typically needed if soil conditions are adequate.
Similar needs
Climbing Hydrangea
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Dutchman's Pipe
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Pawpaw
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Banana
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Lobster Claw
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Mecardonia
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Climbing Fetterbush a good plant for St. Augustine?
Climbing Fetterbush is a vine for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-30 feet × 3-6 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.