Drooping Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana)
ID
2901-1042NP
Summary
Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 6 feet
Spread: 6 feet
Shape: Mound with arching branches
Drooping leucothoe is a beautiful and graceful evergreen medium-sized shrub with lustrous, dark green foliage. White bell-shaped flowers bloom in the spring. Its arching branches give it a fountain-like effect. This plant is not suitable for sunny or dry locations.
Plant Needs
Zone: 5 to 8
Light: Partial shade
Moisture: Wet or moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay loam
pH Range: 3.7 to 5.5
Functions
Suggested uses for this plant include border, naturalizing, and screen.
Planting Notes
Prefers acid and well drained soil.
Plant in a shady location protected from winter wind.
Does not tolerate drought. Water thoroughly each week during hot, dry weather.
Care
Occasional pruning can be done after spring flowering. Remove the oldest stems at ground level as needed.
Problems
Leaf spot and various fungi can be a problem.
Alternatives
Consult local garden centers historic or public gardens and arboreta regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Cultivars of Leucothoe fontanesiana:
`Scarletta' has beautiful, shiny, dark green foliage that becomes a deep, plum-purple color in cold weather. This cultivar is subject to leaf spot.
`Girard's Rainbow' has new foliage that emerges white, pink, and copper; these colors fade with time.
Comments
Drooping leucothoe is a slow-growing plant with spreading, arching branches. It grows best in cool, shady, moist environments.
This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation.
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Publication Date
March 7, 2024
