With fantastic colourful foliage all year round, Leucothoe are versatile shrubs are renowned for their interesting and colourful growth. Perfect for both growing individually as a focal point of the garden, in groups within a mixed border or even potted up on a patio. They are generally low maintenance which makes them extremely versatile.
Top Varieties
Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red
| Sun requirements | Full sun to half shade |
| Soil | Moist, acidic and well drained |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | 50cm in height and spread |
| Flowering time | March – May |
Leucothoe Fontanesiana Rainbow
| Sun requirements | Full sun to half shade |
| Soil | Likes acidic soil, also soil with chalk, sand and clay ensuring it’s moist and well draining |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | 1.5m in height and spread |
| Flowering time | April – May |
Leucothoe Keiskei Burning Love
| Sun requirements | Full sun to half shade |
| Soil | Likes acidic soil, also soil with chalk, sand and clay ensuring it’s moist and well draining |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | 1m in height and spread |
| Flowering time | Spring |
Keiskei Royal Ruby
| Sun requirements | Full sun to half shade |
| Soil | Likes acidic soil, also soil with chalk, sand and clay ensuring it’s moist and well draining |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | 1m in height and 1.5m spread |
| Flowering time | Spring |
Leucothoe Scarleta ‘Zeblid’
| Sun requirements | Full sun to half shade |
| Soil | Likes acidic soil, also soil with chalk, sand and clay ensuring it’s moist and well draining |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | 1.5m in height and 2.5m spread |
| Flowering time | Spring |
Growing Guide
Planting
Leucothoes thrive in moist acidic, humus-rich soil and by adding organic matter you will help towards strengthening their growth. Ensure to dig a hole twice the size of the root ball in both width and depth and press soil down around the plant.
Watering
As well as watering this shrub well once planted, it will need to be watered on a regular basis to ensure it doesn’t dry out as they really enjoy moist but not waterlogged conditions.
Pruning
You will only need to give this a light pruning to remove any damaged, congested and diseased shoots.
Complementary Planting Ideas
Although Leucothoe is a stunning stand-alone plant there are many other shrubs you can pair this up with. Other evergreen shrubs with contrasting foliage will complement the Leucothoe and thrive in similar soils that are naturally acidic.
We have a great selection of recommended shrubs; Euonymus, in particular the fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ would be a great contrast in the garden. Skimmia and Sarcococca (especially confusa and Pieris) would also thrive and complement any of the Leucothoe varieties and are also a great pollinator.
Fact
It is known that Leucothoe is one of the main genus’ that is used in landscaping, having them in the garden can enhance your view due to their vibrant and attractive Autumn foliage. The leaves can change from pale green to red, purple and even bronze which can look stunning in the garden every year.
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