Pieris japonica 'Mountain Fire' is a popular, slow-growing evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, fiery-red new foliage that matures to glossy dark green, creating year-round color, complemented by drooping clusters of white, lily-of-the-valley-like flowers in early spring. It prefers acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade, thrives in zones 5-8, and offers multi-season interest, making it ideal for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or containers, though it needs protection from harsh winter winds. 
Key Characteristics
Foliage: New growth emerges bright red/orange, maturing to dark green; evergreen leaves offer year-round color, with new flushes adding contrast in summer.
Flowers: Pendulous, urn-shaped white flowers in early spring, often heavily clustered.
Size: Slow-growing, typically forming a spreading mound, reaching 4-8 feet tall and wide over time.
Growth Habit: Mounding, spreading form, great for hedges, borders, or specimen planting. 
Growing Conditions
Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile, acidic soil (similar to rhododendrons).
Water: Requires consistent moisture but hates soggy roots.
Hardiness: Zones 5-8.
Deer: Generally deer-tolerant.