About Leucothoe Plants
As a gardener, I am always looking for unique plants that require no special attention and will persist as beautiful focal points for the duration of my garden. Sounds like wishful thinking but it isn’t. Leucothoe plants provide the interest, longevity and ease of care that suit my landscape. They grow wild in the eastern United States in moist woodlands and along streams. This deer resistant plant is suitable for the more temperate regions of North America. Try growing a leucothoe bush as a single specimen in containers or in groups as part of a border. Whatever you try, you won’t be disappointed with the fantastic foliage and undemanding care of leucothoe. One of the best things about leucothoe is its new stem growth. Most species have red, bronze, or vibrant green young stems which deepen to dark, glossy green. The stems are arching and elegant, decorated with tapered leaves. The glossy broad leaves are evident year round with some types producing attractive variegated foliage. Leaves may develop a reddish or bronze hue in fall. All varieties of leucothoe bear dangling little bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are usually white but may also be bluish. These tiny bells become 5 lobed globular fruits. Leucothoe plants are vase shaped bushes that grow between 3 and 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) in height.
Growing a Leucothoe Bush
The two main requirements for good leucothoe growing conditions are acidic soil and moisture. The plant can tolerate brief periods of dryness but the healthiest plants get moderate but consistent water. Shade to partially shady locations develop the best leaf color in variegated forms. Full sun locations are tolerated so long as plenty of moisture is available. Incorporate organic matter to the planting site and till soil to a depth of at least one foot. Dig the hole for the plant twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Press soil around the roots and water the plant in well. Keep the plant moist until establishment. Thereafter, check soil moisture to a depth of 3 inches (7.5 cm.) and water deeply if it is dry.
Types of Leucothoe
Leucothoe is a popular ornamental garden plant and many cultivars have been developed. There are over 10 commonly available species but a few are real standout performers.
Leucothoe axillaris is a fairly small bush and show off in a rockery, foundation plant or on slopes. Girard’s Rainbow (Leucothoe fontanesiana) has white, pink, and bronze new growth. Leucothoe racemosa native species found from Massachusetts down to Louisiana, is one of the more cold tolerant forms and has 4-inch (10 cm.) long racemes of drooping, scented flowers from May through June.
Care of Leucothoe
Leucothoe is remarkable not only for its attractive appearance but because it is relatively untroubled by pests or disease. It is best to protect the plant from drying winds which may damage the lovely foliage. A thick layer of mulch around the root zone will protect the area from desiccation and prevent weed competitors. The plants do not need pruning unless you have an errant stem or broken material. You can rejuvenate older plants and enjoy the new growth by removing stems to within a few inches of the soil. Some leucothoe will produce suckers and will require removal of wayward vertical growth.
