James Burghardt
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
AGARISTA populifolia
Plant Common Name
Fetterbush, Florida Leucothoe, Hobblebush
General Description
Fetterbush is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with arching branches densely covered with glossy, dark green leaves tinged with reddish bronze new growth. Fragrant creamy white flowers occur in late spring on this native of the wetlands of the southeastern United States. The flowers are urn-shaped and dangle from the arching branches.
Fetterbush needs moist soils and at least partial shade to look its best and makes an excellent evergreen screen in shady gardens. It is an especially attractive companion for azalea, mountain laurel, rhododendron, and blueberry. It responds well to pruning which may be needed after several years of tall, floppy growth. Selection 'Taylor's Treasure' is a compact, smaller plant that is particularly well-suited for shady foundation plantings.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Southeastern United States
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Bronze
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Green, Sienna
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No