Leucothoe fontanesiana (Drooping Leucothoe)
Michael's Opinion
An ericaceous plant suitable for wood land planting where it may form a partial ground cover effect. It may be prone to some winter burn in our zone.
Botanical Information
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Leucothoe |
| Species | fontanesiana |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Virginia Georgia, and Tennessee. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 1-2 m |
| Spread | 1-2 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Typically fountain-like in appearance with graceful arching stems emanating from the middle of the plant. Poisonous if any part of plant is ingested. A fragrant flowered ground cover type plant. |
| ID Characteristic | Drooping or weeping evergreen with small white flowers somewhat hidden by foliage. Slightly pyramidal form in youth but drooping at maturity. Likes slightly acidic soils that are well-drained in partial sun. |
| Shape | Multi-stemmed with hardly any horizontal branch growth with arching stems hence the name 'drooping'. |
| Landscape | Good groundcover and undergrowth plant. It may also be used as a border plant in shady areas. |
| Cultivation | Prefers slightly acidic soils. In partial shade to full sun if the conditions are not too dry. |
| Pests | Leaf spot and root rot may be an occasional problem. |
| Habitat | In its native habitat it is usually found in well drained soils in full sun to partial shade. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Fleshy, green to red in colour, with a shiny waxy coating, young stems are often glabrous. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Small buds, about 1.25-2.5cm in size. |
| Leaf Description | Alternate ovate leaves ends in an acute apex. 2.5-3.3cm wide and 5-10cm long. The leaf has a short petiole, darker on top a on the underside. |
| Flower Description | Creamy white flowers that are slighty hidden by foliage. Urn shaped, about 5-7.5 cm long grow in clusters. Fragrant, attracts insects and birds. |
| Fruit Description | Fruit are small in size, about 2.5mm, and are capsules. Which are not showy. Fruit are small in size to about 3mm in length and not at all showy. |
| Colour Description | Bright green and bronze to purple colour which changes to dark green as the plant matures. Creamy white flowers that are semi-visible through the foliage. |
| Texture Description | A fine to medium textured plant. |
Photographs
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Scarletta'
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Whitewater'