Pieris japonica plant named ‘Conrabideau’

Abstract

A new and distinct Pieris japonica plant is provided that was discovered as a spontaneous mutation of unknown causation of the ‘Valley Valentine’ variety (non-patented in the United States). The new plant was discovered during April 2000 when present in a controlled environment among a population of ‘Valley Valentine’ plants that had been asexually reproduced by tissue culture. The new plant displays an attractive upright well-branched generally uniform moderately vigorous growth habit. Large clusters of pink flowers are displayed. The attractive new growth displays a brick red coloration. The foliage is variegated green with irregularly presented yellow margins when mature. The plant is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation throughout the year.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct  Pieris japonica  plant characterized by the following combination of characteristics:
 (a) displays an attractive upright well-branched generally uniform moderately vigorous growth habit, 
 (b) forms large clusters of pink flowers, 
 (c) forms attractive new growth having a brick red coloration, 
 (d) forms attractive variegated green foliage with irregularly presented yellow margins when mature, and 
 (e) is well suited for providing distinctive ornamentation; 
 
       substantially as shown and described.