Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Coast leucothoe is a stellar, low-maintenance shrub option that provides multi-season interest in shady areas. Also known as coastal doghobble or fetterbush, this plant has a mounding, upright spreading form but a manageable size and growth rate. The leaves stay on the plant year-round, changing from deep green in the summer to purple and bronze in the fall. In late spring to early summer, clusters of white flowers bloom along the stems.
The coast leucothoe is native to the eastern United States. It has a sturdy root system and the flowers attract pollinators, so it is a solid addition to a woodland or natural planting or along a steep area like a river bank. Consider it a viable alternative to boxwoods and a great companion to rhododendrons in a woodsy setting.
Coast Leucothoe Care
The Coast Leucothoe performs best in an area with shade or partial shade but in very humid areas should have at least six hours of sunlight to avoid leaf diseases. If growing in full sunlight, make sure there is ample soil moisture. This shrub prefers moist, rich, acidic-soils. If rainfall and soil moisture are inadequate, plan to water it at least weekly during hot, dry weather. In USDA zone 5, plant the coast leucothoe in a protected area and spread mulch thickly over the root zone before winter.
Coast leucothoe generally need little or no pruning. Cut off any broken stems or shoots or suckers that look out of place as they appear. The plant can also handle a rejuvenation pruning every few years; simply cut stems off a few inches above the soil line after flowering.
Coast Leucothoe Spacing
The coast leucothoe grows slowly to reach a height of three to six feet with a similar spread. Space plants three feet apart as a hedge or staggered in a mass planting. Give each more space if using them as a specimen.
Coast Leucothoe Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 6 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Partial Sun (5-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green, Red
- Foliage Description
- Green, Red, Multi-Color
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Coast Leucothoe
- Botanical Name
- LEUCOTHOE AXILLARIS
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!