Pieris japonica 'Scarlett O'Hara'

Description: Dark green leaves all year round are in spring topped with bronze red new growth which then turns green for summer.  This larger form also bears a mass of panicles of pendant campanulate white fragrant flowers which give a real show in late spring. One of the best for flower display.

Uses: Good for a woodland garden or towards the back of a lightly shaded border. Best planted with other Ericaceous plants.

Climate / Position: Best in light/partial shade, sheltered from cold winds and early morning sun.

Height / Spread: A larger form up to 2.5 metres x 2 metres spread

Soil Requirements: Plant in humus rich, well drained, acidic / ericaceous soil. Mulch in winter with leaf mould

Pruning: No pruning required.

Special Requirements: Pieris are shallow rooted and do not like being planted too deeply. Plant in a sheltered spot sheltered from cold winds and early morning sun as they flower better in dappled shade.

Additional Interest: This is a genus of Ericaceous flowering plants from Asia and North America, classified in 1834 by David Don, 1799-1841. He named the genus after the Pierides or nine muses of mythology. The parent plant P. japonica was first collected and described by noted physician Carl Thunberg while working for the Dutch East India Company in Japan and was introduced in 1784 as Andromeda japonica and .  It was introduced under P. japonica to the west in England by 1870 as the most cold hardy of all species. Pieres japonica are also native to eastern China and Taiwan.