Scarlet O'Hara Pieris

Scarlet O'Hara Pieris (Pieris japonica 'Scarlett O'Hara')

Scarlet O'Hara Pieris is an evergreen shrub that adds year-round structure to part-shade landscapes, with bold seasonal color that keeps plantings feeling fresh. It is an easy fit for foundation beds and woodland borders where you want dependable foliage even in winter. Showy buds and spring bloom bring a welcome burst of color when many shrubs are still quiet. If you want an evergreen that delivers multi-season interest without needing constant attention, this pieris is a strong choice.

Distinctive Features

This selection is prized for colorful flower buds that form in fall and persist through winter, adding a rich red accent before spring arrives. In early to mid spring, the buds open into drooping clusters of small, urn-shaped flowers, typically in rosy pink tones, that soften the evergreen form with a layered bloom display. Glossy dark green foliage provides a clean backdrop and keeps the plant looking full through all seasons. The habit is upright to rounded, making it a dependable mid-height anchor that pairs naturally with azaleas, rhododendrons, and other acid-loving shrubs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Partial shade is ideal, with morning sun and afternoon shade helping protect foliage quality.
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment, then water during dry periods to prevent stress.
• USDA Zones: Zones 5 to 8.
• Mature Size: Typically grows about 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a focal point near an entry where the winter buds and spring blooms provide standout seasonal interest.
• Foundation Plantings: Add evergreen structure and winter color along the home in part shade.
• Woodland Borders: Blend into part-shade beds to add texture, bloom, and multi-season highlights.
• Mixed Shrub Beds: Pair with azaleas and rhododendrons for a cohesive, acid-loving shrub composition.
• Evergreen Massing: Plant in groups to create a dense evergreen backdrop with winter bud interest.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells and avoid letting the root zone dry out completely.
• Mulching: Mulch with pine bark or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and support acidic soil conditions.
• Pruning: Prune lightly right after flowering to shape, and remove spent flower clusters if you prefer a cleaner look.
• Feeding: Fertilize in spring with an acid-loving shrub fertilizer if growth is slow or foliage is pale.
• Protection: Shelter from drying winter winds and harsh afternoon sun to reduce leaf stress.

Why Choose Scarlet O'Hara Pieris?

• Winter Bud Color: Red buds persist through winter and add interest when the garden is quiet.
• Spring Bloom: Drooping clusters of rosy flowers provide a refined seasonal highlight.
• Evergreen Structure: Glossy foliage keeps landscapes looking full and finished year-round.
• Multi-Season Appeal: Buds, bloom, and evergreen texture extend interest across multiple seasons.
• Shade Friendly: Performs well in part shade and pairs naturally with other acid-loving shrubs.

If you want an evergreen shrub that offers color beyond bloom season, Scarlet O'Hara Pieris is an excellent fit. The winter buds add a strong accent when landscapes are quiet, and spring brings graceful flower clusters that soften the plant. With acidic soil, steady moisture, and part shade, it becomes a reliable, polished anchor for foundation and woodland plantings.