James Burghardt
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow'
Plant Common Name
Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush, Highland Doghobble
General Description
The hallmark of drooping leucothoe is its elegantly arching branches lined with lustrous, foliage. The variegated, 'Girard's Rainbow' , is an especially colorful selection that brightens shaded gardens. Shade loving and naturalistic in form, Leucothoe fontanesiana is native to the southeastern United States where it inhabits hilly, mountainous woodlands with fertile, acid soil.
The long, tapered leaves are glossy, leathery and have toothed edges. When they first emerge in early spring, they are a rich mix of more cream, copper and pink and as they age they turn dark green with creamy white marks. In mid-spring, drooping clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers appear on the bottom side of the arching branches, somewhat masked by the leaves. The flowers are unpleasantly fragrant. In autumn, the leaves may turn shades of burgundy and purple, especially those most exposed to light.
Grow drooping leucothoe in cool, moist, acid soils. Protected it from high light and wind, particularly in winter time. It best planted where it can naturalize in informal woodland gardens. Pair it with other ericaceous companions, like rhododendrons, blueberries and mountain laurels. It's also nice as a large-scale groundcover for shaded hillsides.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Green, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Pink, Copper, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Pink, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple, Dark Green, Burgundy, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated, SpottedMottled
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Bark Color
Red, Green
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Bark Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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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
Yes
