There are several Andromeda (Pieris japonica) growing around the yard planted by the previous owner (mostly in weird places). One is close to the house and others are out in the landscape. All are growing in mostly shade and doing surprisingly well. I even transplanted a scraggly specimen away from the front porch and into a mixed border years ago. Wasn't sure it was going to make it, but it has obviously taken hold and looks great this year.

This seems to be a very adaptable and hardy species, so I don't think you should worry too much. Your location sounds fine.

This year the blooms on the Pieris are spectacular, and the fragrance wafts through the yard.

Thanks so much for your input, I really appreciate it.

These are now placed between some dwarf mugo pine. This is our business location and at the corner of very busy streets so i wanted something aesthetically pleasing for all our seasons.

thanks again!

The only thing I would warn you about is moisture -- we have several Mountain Fires, one of which is under a large overhang (so it stays fairly dry all the time). The one under the overhang has languished while the one outside the overhang/drip line has done beautifully -- so I think they need a location that won't be excessively dry. I think that's more important than the exposure (ours are in a northwestern corner in north-central CT).

Yes, they don't appear to be very fussy about light. A couple of mine are blooming profusely this year with very little sun - perhaps 1-2 hours per day.

The one that is up near my house is right near the hose, so I give it a squirt of water sometimes.

Oh, and the bees are really loving these right now!!

I tried a pieris on the southeast side of my house. Lacebugs devoured it. Apparently they can be a problem wherever spiders are absent due to too much sun. My next door neighbors have pieris on the same side of their house and they are fine. I moved mine to the north side of my house and it is doing very well in the spidery shade.