Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 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 Shade (3-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-6 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3-6 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- 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, Yellow
- Foliage Description
- Green, Yellow Variegated
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Rainbow Leucothoe
- Botanical Name
- LEUCOTHOE FONTANESIANA 'RAINBOW'
- 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
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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!