Pieris japonica 'Scarlett O’Hara’

Pieris japonica 'Scarlett O’Hara': Red New Growth and Early-Spring White Bells

Pieris japonica 'Scarlett O’Hara' brings a crisp, evergreen presence to the garden, then steals the spotlight in early spring with panicles of slightly fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers. Blooms rise from light green buds on reddish stems, adding warm colour detail even before the flowers fully open. As the season continues, new foliage emerges bright red and gradually deepens to dark green, giving the plant a lively, layered look that stays handsome year-round. With its upright, mounding habit, it offers both structure and seasonal highlights in one refined shrub.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 5–6’
• Spread: 3–4’
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Early spring
• Foliage: Evergreen; new growth emerges bright red, maturing to dark green
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: A strong choice for foundation plantings, evergreen groupings, and woodland-edge borders where you want year-round structure with a real spring moment. The red new growth adds bold contrast beside darker evergreens, while the early flowers brighten the garden when little else is blooming. Its upright, mounding shape also makes it useful as a mid-border anchor, bringing a tidy, finished look to mixed plantings.

Care Instructions: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during establishment and summer dry spells, and mulch to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots. Plant in acidic, organic-rich soil for best vigour and leaf colour, and avoid alkaline conditions. Prune lightly right after flowering if shaping is needed, and remove any winter damage in spring. In exposed sites, a bit of shelter from harsh winter wind helps keep foliage looking its best.

History: Pieris japonica has long been valued for its early-season flower chains and dependable evergreen form. 'Scarlett O’Hara' is grown for its combination of slightly fragrant white blooms, reddish stems and buds, and that vivid red flush of new growth that matures into a deep green, giving it multi-season appeal beyond the spring display.

Final Thoughts: If you want a broadleaf evergreen that feels polished all year and truly shines in early spring, Scarlett O’Hara delivers flowers, colour, and structure with effortless style.