About
Leucothoe axillaris, the coastal dog-hobble, is a spreading, evergreen shrub to around 1.2 m with arching stems, zigzag towards the tips, and leathery, narrow-oval, dark-green leaves that turn purplish-red in winter. Short racemes of small, urn-shaped white flowers are produced from the leaf axils in late spring. An ornamental and reliable evergreen shrub for a shaded, moist, sheltered border.
About the genus
Leucothoe are deciduous or evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or panicles of small, bell- or urn-shaped, usually white flowers in spring or summer. Excellent shrubs for shaded, moist, sheltered positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in reliably moist, acid soil in partial or full shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility