Russell Stafford
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Zeblid'(SCARLETTA) PP5195
Plant Common Name
Doghobble, Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush, Scarletta Leucothoe
General Description
The hallmark of drooping leucothoe is its elegantly arching branches lined with lustrous, foliage. Glossy, red-toned leaves of Scarletta are especially colorful. 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 glossy red and as they age they turn dark green. 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 turn lively tones of purple and burgundy, 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, billowy groundcover for shaded hillsides.
