Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Items 1 to 8 of 8 total
Leucothoe
Uses:
- Shade Gardens
- Borders
- Under Trees
Features:
- Evergreen
- Winter Interest
- Low Maintenance
Sunlight:
- Partial Shade to Partial Sun
- 4-6 Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 5-10
- What is My Zone?
Leucothoe shrubs (sometimes known as dog hobble), have glossy, evergreen leaves that often turn bronze or red in winter and add year-round interest to garden landscapes. These shade-loving plants are ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as ground cover under trees, where they can create a lush, layered effect.
About Leucothoe
Genus
Species
Family
Leucothoe
There are several species under the genus Leucothoe, with the most common being Leucothoe fontanesiana (also known as the "drooping leucothoe" or "mountain doghobble").
Ericaceae
Common Names:
Doghobble, Red-twig Doghobble, Mountain Laurel
Native To:
Native to eastern North America, including parts of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as some areas of Asia.
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Leucothoe
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flower Color:
White to pinkish flowers
Flower Bloom Time:
Blooms in late spring to early summer, usually in May or June, depending on the climate.
Growth Habit:
Low, spreading shrub with arching branches. It forms a dense, rounded shape with a cascading effect from the drooping stems.
Attracts:
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, due to its fragrant flowers.
Tolerates:
Partial to full shade, moist, acidic, and well-drained soils.
Resists:
Deer-resistant, and also somewhat resistant to drought once established, though it prefers consistently moist conditions.
How To Use Leucothoe In The Garden
Leucothoe is an evergreen shrub known for its shiny, narrow leaves that often show unique color patterns. The 'Rainbow' variety, for example, features a mix of green, white, pink, and red shades. In spring, it produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers that add to its ornamental appeal. This plant thrives in partial shade and acidic, well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens.
When grouped with acid-loving companions, leucothoe provides a graceful layer of evergreen interest in shady gardens. Its arching branches look striking when placed along a woodland border, where it can also help control erosion on gentle slopes. In mixed shrub plantings, leucothoe introduces textural depth and offers subtle color shifts through the seasons. Smaller cultivars adapt well to containers on shaded patios, bringing year-round foliage appeal to compact spaces.
Leucothoe Care
Leucothoe thrives in partial sun to shade, making it suitable for low-light areas. Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soil, positioning the top of the root ball level with the ground. Newly planted shrubs require consistent watering to keep the soil damp during the initial growing seasons. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer annually in spring supports growth; avoid fertilizing past summer to prevent late-season growth susceptible to winter damage.
Prune Leucothoe after flowering to remove dead or damaged branches and to encourage a bushy form. For winter care, spread mulch around the base to insulate roots from cold temperatures, and wrap the plant in landscape fabric to protect against strong winds. When growing in containers, select pots with drainage holes and use well-draining potting mix. Position containers in partial sun to shade, and water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
Learn More About Leucothoe
