James H. Schutte
Family
Ericaceae
Botanical Name
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Plant Common Name
Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush, Highland Doghobble
General Description
The hallmark of drooping leucothoe is its elegantly arching branches lined with lustrous, dark green foliage. In spring, this suckering broadleaf evergreen shrub also produces oddly scented white flowers. Shade loving and naturalistic in form, it is native to the southeastern United States where it inhabits hilly, mountainous woodlands with fertile, acid soil.
The long, tapered leaves are dark green, glossy and leathery to the touch. When they first emerge in early spring, they are glossy red. 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.
Some notable cultivars are 'Zeblid' (Scarletta), which is highly regarded for its purple-red new growth and burgundy fall foliage. The dark green, yellow, cream, and pink mottled leaves of 'Girard's Rainbow' also stand out in the garden.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Width
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
United States, Southeastern United States
