About
Compact, evergreen shrub about 1m tall with small, twisted dark green leaves, dark red when young then purplish-red in winter. Small, urn-shaped white flowers are produced in short racemes from the leaf axils, in late spring.
About the genus
Leucothoe can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or panicles of small bell- or urn-shaped flowers
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
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in reliably moist, acid soil in partial or full shade. Suitable for container cultivation in ericaceous (lime-free) potting compost, in a shady position
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