Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

AGARISTA populifolia

Image of Agarista populifolia

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

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 7

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade

  • Height

    8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m

  • Width

    5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    Southeastern United States

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam

  • Tolerances

    Wet Site, Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Ivory

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Bronze

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Green, Sienna

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No