About
Leucothoe fontanesiana, the dog-hobble, is a small, evergreen shrub of broad, arching habit with glossy, narrowly lance-shaped leaves often tinged purple in winter. Small, pitcher-shaped white flowers are produced in 5 cm racemes held under the shoots in spring. An elegant and ornamental 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, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMixed borders, hedging, foundation planting.
Native toSE USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, acid soil in shade or partial shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings
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