Andromeda - Scarlet O' Hara

A genuinely exquisite broadleaf evergreen shrub much cherished for its delicate and showy chains of small white bell-shaped flowers and bright red emerging foliage, one of the hardiest cultivars; performs best in moist, organic and acidic soils. 

Scarlet O'Hara Japanese Pieris will grow to be about 10 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates.

Height:  10 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:     

Hardiness Zone:  5a