Leucothoe is an undemanding and attractive evergreen shrub that multitasks in the landscape.
With graceful arches of bell-shaped flowers and shiny leaves, leucothoe is a prettyand practicaladdition to your garden.
It also might be one of the most storied shrubs in your garden.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Why Leucothoe Is So Popular
Storied or not, leucothoe is a garden workhorse.
It also looks good in ashade gardenor draped overa wall.
The white or cream urn-shaped flower clusters open in late spring and last through early summer.
Credit:Denny Shrock
Leucothoe shrubs are toxic to humans and animals.
Protection from winter winds and hot sun is necessary.
The shrub tolerates more sun in cooler regions, but the soil must remain moist.
Credit: Jeff Mcnamara
It grows well in light-to-deep shade, making it indispensable for naturalizing in a woodland garden.
Give it space to grow and consistent waterleucothoe doesnt like to dry out.
Plant container-grown leucothoe in a hole as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide.
Credit: Randall Schieber
If the soil is not alreadyrich in organic matter, workcompostor peat moss into the soil.
Then, set it in the hole so its growing at the same depth as in the pot.
Firm the amended soil around the roots and tamp down to remove the air pockets.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Leucothoe Care Tips
Leucothoe is easy to care for when its basic needs are met.
Light
Leucothoe grows best in light to deep shade.
Its an ideal plant for the shade garden, where its fall and winter foliage colors stand out.
Hot afternoon sun causes the leaves to burn and drop.
Soil and Water
The soil should be bothwell-drainedand moisture-retentive.
Soil with high organic content and a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 is best for growing leucothoe.
Leucothoe doesnt like to dry out, especially before it is established.
Water it regularly, aiming for about an inch of water per week during the growing season.
Temperature and Humidity
Leucothoe suffers from extreme temperatureshot or cold.
Despite their leathery texture, the leaves are easily damaged by winter wind and hot sun.
The shrub grows best in a cool, mild location where it is protected from afternoon sun anddrying winds.
Fertilizer
Pruning
The natural habit of leucothoe is so beautiful that pruning is rarely needed.
However, remove any broken, diseased, or awkwardly growing branches after flowering.
This should be done immediately after flowering as well.
Dont prune in late summer or fall.
Dont add other plants to the potthey will be covered by the spreading, arching stems.
Water it well and check it oftendo not let the soil dry out.
A container-grown leucothoe typically needs more frequent watering than one grown in the ground.
Check the potted leucothoe each spring before growth begins to see if it has outgrown its container.
You may see roots coming out of the drainage holes.
Increase the pot size by 2 to 3 inches and repot with fresh potting mix.
Pests and Problems
Although leucothoe has few pests, it is occasionally afflicted with fungal leaf spots.
This is most common with plants that are stressed by underwatering or exposure to wind or sun.
When leucothoe is planted in poorly drained soil, it is prone to develop root rot.
How to Propagate Leucothoe
Propagate leucothoe withstem cuttingstaken in early summer.
Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from new growth and remove the lower leaves.
Moisten high-quality potting soil and fill small containers.
Using a pencil or dibble, make a hole for each cutting.
Keep the soil moist and in a location shaded from hot sun.
Rooting should occur in about three months.
Leucothoe can also be propagated by seed, but this usuallyrequires a greenhouseand mist system.
Leucothoe seed needs light to germinate, and the growing medium must be kept constantly moist.
They are native to the southeastern United States and several cultivars are available for each.
Leaves mature to deep leathery green and then turn bronze-burgundy in fall and winter.
It grows 2 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
Its copper-colored new growth shows off well against the glossy green older leaves.
This selection of coastal leucothoe adds a dramatic splash of seasonal color to the shady garden.
It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
Its a good choice for growing in a large container.
It grows well with other plants that prefer cool, moist shade and acid soil.
Viburnums are known for colorful berries, showy flowers, wonderful fragrance, or brilliant foliage and stem color.
It grows well in partial shade.
In late spring, mountain laurel bears clusters of flowers in white, pink, and red.
This classic shade garden plant loves acid soil and grows best in a sheltered area in colder regions.
These rugged shrubs love the shade and make great woodland plants.
It bears snowy cone-shaped flowers in summer, but its large, scalloped leaves redden in autumn.
However, it is faint, and you might not notice it.
Given the toxic nature of leucothoe leaves,deer rarely browse the shrub.
If they do, they rarely eat enough to inflict severe damage.
A soil drench with a fungicide may also help.
“Leucothoe fontanesiana.”
Lookin Good, Leucothoe!
Nature Center at Greenburgh.
“Leucothoe fontanesiana.”
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Leucothoe axillaris.Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
