Overview

Leucothoe catesbaei is a clump forming shrubs in the genus Leucothoe, part of the Ericaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Leucothoe catesbaei grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.

About

Leucothoe axillaris is a shrub native to the southeastern United States, with the common names swamp dog-laurel and coastal dog-hobble. It has been reported from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia. It grows on floodplains in coastal areas at elevations of less than 200 m (660 ft). Leucothoe axillaris is a branching shrub up to 2 m (7 ft) tall. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and clay and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). It works well for cottage and informal garden. It tolerates acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucothoe axillaris

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Leucothoe

Sunlight

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Leucothoe catesbaei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Leucothoe catesbaei

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

Frequently asked questions