The bright, 5" lilac flowers on 3'-4' stems appear in late June and grow quickly to a colossal size. The intriguing flowers start green, coloring first on top of the ball, then slowly change from green to lilac. As they mature, they revert to green again, from the top down. Alliums have fairly unobtrusive foliage that blends in quite well with surrounding plants, they are extremely easy to mix and mingle with other plants in the garden. The colorful balls of blooms are actually composed of numerous smaller flowers to create Dr. Seuss-like displays of lollipops throughout the garden.

Mountain Fire takes its name not only from one of its parents, but also from the fact that its red colors in late winter and early spring make it look as if it is on fire. Under certain conditions this coloring may also appear in the middle of the summer. Then, there are clusters of fragrant white to light pink flowers that appear to not so much hang, but drip from the shrub. Pieris makes an outstanding specimen, especially in shaded areas that can be difficult to fill with something truly special. With its beautiful evergreen foliage, it lends itself to being planted just about anywhere.