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Feature Plant Leucothoe axillaris
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Welcome to This Month in the Garden! Today, the focus is on Leucothoe, an excellent and often over-looked low maintenance shrub for all season interest. Leucothoe axillaris, also known as Coast Leucothoe or Dog-hobble is a low-growing, blooming, evergreen shrub which is native to the southeastern United States from the state of Virginia southward. Leucothoe is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-8, prefers a moderately moist yet well-drained soil with a pH of approximately 4.5-6.0 (slightly acidic) and a partially to fully shaded location. Leucothoe can also be grown in an area with sun, providing there is sufficient irrigation.
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| Leucothoe axillaris Springtime Blooms |
Leucothoe has many favorable attributes. It is characterized by its spreading vase-like shape and thick shiny, dark green foliage. Additionally, clusters of slightly fragrant, heather-like, white flowers appear on the plant in mid-spring. Seasonal interest is provided by foliage that changes in color from light green with pinkish tips in spring to a deeper green in summer, followed by a purplish-bronze hue in winter. Leucothoe axillaris grows to a mature height and width of 2-4 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide.
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| Leucothoe axillaris Summertime Foliage |
Leucothoe is relatively low maintenance and is not prone to any serious pests or disease problems. Leucothoe can be slightly borderline in some areas of zone 5 where winter winds are harsh and should be kept in a somewhat sheltered location. Since it is a broad-leaved evergreen, I would recommend spraying Leucothoe in late autumn in colder climates with anti-desiccant to prevent any possible winter drying. Leucothoe requires little to no pruning. If you desire to prune your Leucothoe to maintain a more compact shape, do so after flowering.
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| Leucothoe axillaris Wintertime Foliage |
There are several varieties of Leucothoe to choose from besides 'Axillaris', including Leucothoe ‘Rainbow’(zones 4-8 and 3-4 feet tall) Leucothoe fontanesiana or 'Nana' Dwarf Drooping Leucothoe (zones 5-8 and 2-3 feet tall) and Leucothoe fontanesiana or 'Zeblid' Scarletta (zones 5-8, 18-24 inches tall). Each of these shrubs serve nicely grouped in a rock garden, border or woodland garden, as an under-planting or for naturalizing.
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| Leucothoe axillaris in Shade Garden
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Excellent companion plants for Leucothoe include other shade loving species such as Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass), Variegated Hosta, Sweet Flag, Sedge, Variegted Boxwood, species of Ilex (Holly), Rhododendron and Taxas (Yew). In the photograph above, Leucothoe axillaris (center) is combined with Variegated Boxwood (Right), golden Japanese Forest Grass (Left) along with low spreading Repandens Yew and Variegated Hosta (Far Left Backdrop) for all season interest in the landscape.
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~As Always...Happy Gardening!~
Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.
Lee, I loved this bush when I had seen it on our St. Petersburg Botanic garden. It was said Leucothoe is not hardy in winter here and maybe grown in a tub. It's a pity - I'd love to have Leucothoe in my garden :-( Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very low maintenance plant with a cold hardiness to zone 5, which is probably borderline where you are. Maybe try growing it in a container that you could overwinter.
DeleteI planted it in my woodland walk but it didn't survive, Lee, I don't know why. I have pockets of zone 4 so that may be the problem. I wish it had flourished because yours is beautiful. P x
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam. I loved the photos of your beautiful garden and Monarch Butterfly.
DeleteCiao! Qui si usa davvero poco, eppure cresce davvero bene anche se non ne ho mai viste di belle fiorite come le tue :)
ReplyDeleteBuon fine settimana!
Thank you. It is an easy plant to grow and thrives in the shady area of the garden. I hardly ever touch it.
DeleteI don't think I have ever seen this plant before. It is pretty. I might try to find this. Thanks for bringing it to attention.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa. I am glad I could introduce you to something new and it is so easy to grow! It would also do well in your zone.
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