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Leucothoe, a relation of Pieris, is a group of deciduous and evergreen shade loving shrubs with leathery foliage and spring blossoms. These flowers grow in little clusters and look somewhat like dangling bells. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if kept well watered but the leaves can become burned if the sun is too intense. Little known to both the professional landscaper and your average home gardener Leucothoe is quite pretty and worth a try for planting on the edge of a woodland setting, under small trees and/or with a backdrop of taller-growing evergreen shrubs and among other semi-shade dwelling perennials.
Being at home in the shade this shrub likes humus rich, well draining soil like that found in the forest. It likes things acidic too so if you have healthy growing and profusely blooming Azaleas and Rhododendrons, two of the more popular acidic loving shade plants, Leucothoe will thrive there as well.
Coast Leucothoe, L. axillaris, is an evergreen native of the southeastern part of the United States. This one grows 2-4 feet tall with a spread 3-6 feet wide. Its growth is arching and looks rather attractive in its new spring bronzy colored foliage. The leaves are 4 inches long with racemes of the tiny flowers cascading between them in spring time. This one likes regular watering and is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Sierra Laurel, L. davisiae, as the name implies comes from somewhat swampy areas in the mountains of the far west. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, the 3 inch long foliage on this evergreen is a glossy bright green and oblong in shape. Unlike many other Leucothoe shrubs the white flowers of Sierra Laurel are erect, 2-4 inches long and bloom in summer. This one needs plenty of water to keep it happy.
Drooping Leucothoe, L. fontanesiana (also goes by L. catesbaei) is another evergreen and possibly the best known with graceful arching branches. It grows 2-6 feet tall though is a slow grower. Foliage is rather colorful being a bronze- purple in the autumn and a greenish bronze when planted in a very shady place. The spring flowers are slightly fragrant and a creamy white growing in clusters and looking very much like the pretty groundcover Lily-of-the-Valley.
The most popular cultivar of the Drooping Leucothoe is arguably “Rainbow”, hardy to zones 6-9. This pretty shrub though it can grow 3-4 feet high is often planted as a ground cover kept low by careful pruning of the taller growing branches. The foliage has splashes of pink, green and yellow, perfect for indoor flower arrangements especially when in bloom. It even spreads like your typical groundcover with underground rhizomes. This is also how to propagate this lovely Leucothoe, cutting a piece of root and potting it until big enough to plant within the garden or to share with friends.
“Lovita” is another cultivar a bit smaller at only 2 feet high and 4 feet wide but also with enticing foliage of a dark green in summer turning a rich reddish mahogany in winter. “Scarletta” has vibrant colored foliage as well, deep green in summer turning red for the autumn and into the winter. All these like regular watering.
Sweetbells, L. racemosa, is a deciduous shrub with striking red stems also from the southeastern US, hardy in zones 6-8 and growing 3-8 feet high. The 3 inch long leaves turn red before dropping off in autumn. In late spring to early summer flower clusters of white or pink blossoms form at the ends of branches. This variety tolerates dry shade.
While the Leucothoe in general is an easy going plant requiring very little by way of maintenance they can, if grown in regions where summers are particularly hot and humid, become disfigured or suffer defoliation from various leaf spot diseases. But if kept well watered and properly situated even these can be avoided. Leucothoe is prone to legginess and therefore requires only enough pruning to maintain a bushier appearance.
Leucothoe is a very light feeder with shallow roots which don’t appreciate a heavy application of mulch. A thin layer of an acidic type mulch, like pine needles or shredded oak leaves is all it needs to stay happily growing in your yard. However, be careful not to allow children, pets or adults to ingest the leaves or flowers as they are poisonous.
Whichever Leucothoe you choose for your woodland garden it will surely become a favorite if only because you may be the only one in the neighborhood to own one. How nice is that?
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 How to create your own backyard bird sanctuary: http://www.helium.com/zone/2884-how-to-create-your-own-backyard-bird-sanctuary
Shrubs: http://www.helium.com/zone/2881-shrubs
Ornamental Grasses: http://www.helium.com/zones/preview/2775
Trees: http://www.helium.com/zone/2774
www.maximumyield.com
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