Leucothoe axillaris (Dog-hobble, Coast Leucothoe)

Michael's Opinion

Leucothoe axillaris is native to Southeastern United States, from Florida to Virginia in the north and Louisiana to the west. In 1783 it was first described by J.B. Lamarke as Andromeda, but 50 years later was determined to be from a new genus named Leucothoe by David Don. In gardens, Leucothoe axillaris is a shrub commonly used as a spreading cover. Since it grows well in moist, acidic, sand, loam or clay soils, it is suitable for many gardens, provided it is protected from wind. Clusters of drooping, slightly fragrant pinkish-white flowers emerge mid-spring. Copper leaves turn leathery and glossy green as they mature and maroon in the winter, providing year round colour.

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusLeucothoe
Speciesaxillaris
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesCullina, William. Native trees, shrubs, & vines: a guide to using, growing, and propagating North American woody plants. Boston, NY: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Print. Fralish, James S., and Scott B. Franklin. Taxonomy and ecology of woody plants in North American forests (excluding Mexico and subtropical Florida). New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2002. Print.
OriginSoutheastern United States
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6a - 9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5b - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)-10- 30
Height0.5 - 2 m
Spread2 - 3 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLeucothoe axillaris is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with arching green to reddish branches, leathery, serrate leaves and slightly fragrant white flowers.
ID CharacteristicCompact, low-growing, evergreen, arching branches; racemes of white, fragrant bell-shaped flowers.
ShapeSpreading, vase-like.
LandscapeCan be used as ground cover, hedging, underplanting, foundation plant, border plant or on slopes.
PropagationBy semi-hardwood cuttings rooted in October. It is best to strip the bottom leaves up to 2.5 cm and use a rooting compound 3000 ppm IBA-talc to promote new root growth. Plant in a soil mix of 5 parts peat, 2 parts coarse perlite, 2 parts fine perlite and 1 part sand. Provide bottom heat between 65° - 70° F in a greenhouse. Mist occasionally to prevent dehydration for 6 - 8 weeks then rooted cuttings can be transplanted. Can also be propagated by seed sown on milled peat moss, uncovered, in a humid environment. Germination occurs in 3 - 5 weeks.
CultivationGrows well in part shade, in moist, acidic, sand, loam or clay soils. Intolerant of windy conditions and salt. Plantings should be spaced 1 - 1.5 m apart. Protect with mulch for winter survival in colder regions.
PestsNo serious pests or diseases to note. Possible diseases include: leaf gall, powdery mildew, blight and spot anthracnose. Root rot is an occasional problem.
Notable SpecimensNiagara Parks Botanical Garden, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatSwamps, wetlands, and beside streams.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThin, green when young turning brown with reddish upper side.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionOverlapping scales are bright red on top and greenish underneath; 0.4 - 0.6 cm long.
Leaf DescriptionAlternate, thick, leathery, lance-shaped, pinnate venation, serrated margin, glossy dark green changing to puplish-bronze in the winter, 5 - 10 cm long with a 1 cm petiole.
Flower DescriptionWhite, drooping, bell shaped, slightly fragrant, 2.5 - 5 cm long in 2 - 5 cm long racemes originating from the leaf axil.
Fruit DescriptionIn autumn, tiny, dust-like, amber seeds emerge from oval-shaped, 0.5 cm diameter, dry pods that open in a star-shape, along 5 sutures.
Colour DescriptionYounger leaves are a rich copper colour changing to glossy dark green then purplish-bronze in winter. The flowers are white, fruit is brown and branches green when young turning brown with a reddish upper side as they mature.
Texture DescriptionA medium textured plant.

Photographs