Scarlet O'Hara Pieris

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-10 Feet

Mature Spread

4-6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Scarlet O’Hara Pieris brings star power to shade. Fiery red new leaves mature to deep green, and elegant cascades of white bells appear just as the garden is waking up. Upright, compact, and evergreen, it delivers color and structure in one easy shrub.

Use it to light up woodland borders, frame entryways, or add four-season polish to foundation beds. The refined habit fits smaller spaces, and its love of dappled light makes problem spots feel intentional.

Scarlet O’Hara Pieris Care

Provide partial shade with 3–5 hours of gentle morning sun or bright, dappled light; avoid harsh afternoon sun. Plant in acidic, well-drained soil (target pH 4.5–6.0) amended with pine bark or leaf mold, and never allow roots to sit in water. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; keep moisture even through summer heat and the first growing season. Mulch 2–3 inches with shredded bark or pine needles, keeping mulch a few inches off the stems.

Feed in early spring with a granular fertilizer for acid-loving plants; a light follow-up after bloom can support fresh growth. Prune immediately after flowering to remove spent clusters and to shape lightly. Hardy in Zones 6–8; protect from drying winter winds. In containers, use an acid-lover potting mix with excellent drainage and avoid waterlogged saucers.

Scarlet O’Hara Pieris Spacing

For a specimen, allow 6–8 ft of space for mature height and spread. For a low hedge or mass planting, set 36–48 in on center. Keep 24–36 in from walls, paths, and steps for airflow and natural spread. In containers, start with a 16–20 in diameter pot (7–10 gal) with large drainage holes; upsize to 18–22 in (12–15 gal) as the plant matures. Place patio containers in bright shade near an east- or north-facing exposure.

Why Grow Scarlet O’Hara Pieris?

• Fiery red new growth that matures to polished, evergreen foliage

• Early spring clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers for off-season bloom

• Upright, compact habit sized for foundations, borders, and containers

• Low maintenance in the right spot: thrives in acidic, well-drained soil with partial shade

• Often deer resistant in many regions when properly sited

All parts are toxic if eaten, so plant where pets or grazing animals can’t nibble. If your shrub is grafted, remove any suckers that sprout below the graft to keep the cultivar true.

Bring home Scarlet O’Hara Pieris to brighten shade with fiery new growth and graceful spring bells. This compact evergreen delivers polished, four-season structure with minimal fuss.