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- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 6 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 6 Feet
- Growing Zones 6 - 8
Leucothoe fontanesiana Rainbow, commonly called Rainbow Leucothoe, is a small evergreen shrub with outstanding foliage color. Bright red stems hold shiny, lance-shaped leaves, which are marbled with green, pink, bronze and cream. They mature to a plum color in the fall that remains throughout the winter. In spring, watch for the long, drooping clusters of pieris-like creamy flowers that eventually age to dark blue berries.
This is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub with elegant arching stems. It has a compact and tidy appearance, reaching 3 – 6 feet high and wide. It is native to the southeast region of the United States. The fragrant flowers attract butterflies and are lovely in cut flower arrangements. It is deer resistant and tolerant of soggy soil. Its evergreen foliage is well suited for a mixed border or foundation planting, where it can show off its prized year-round color.
Rainbow Leucothoe Care
This shrub prefers partial shade but can be planted in full sun in cooler climates. Without sufficient moisture, the foliage will burn in full sun. Rainbow Leucothoe appreciates consistent moisture and can even tolerate boggy conditions. It requires acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.5) that is rich in organic matter, similar to rhododendrons and camellias. Mulch new plants with high quality compost to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.
You can prune in late winter or early spring if your Rainbow Leucothoe becomes a bit leggy. Remove damaged or crossing branches any time of year.
Rainbow Leucothoe Spacing
To plant a tight hedge, space these shrubs approximately 3 feet apart, center on center. Increase the spacing to 6 feet apart if a gap between shrubs is desired.
Rainbow Leucothoe Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 3 - 6 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 3 - 6 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 - 6 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
| Foliage Description: Variegated |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Butterflies |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Rainbow Leucothoe |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: LEUCOTHOE FONTANESIANA `RAINBOW` |
- SKU:
- 1231000787-pc
Container Sizes
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know 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
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know 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
#3 Pot
Also Know 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
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.