Highland doghobble
Leucothoe fontanesiana · Ericaceae
📷 homeredwardprice · CC BY 2.0
⚠️ Feuilles contiennent grayanotoxine ; chiens, chats et enfants risquent troubles digestifs à cardiaques par ingestion.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around highland doghobble and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green, oval and wavy
- Flowering
- April to May, small white or pale pink flowers in drooping clusters
- Adult size
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 m tall
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Hardy to around -15 °C
- Origin
- Southeast United States (Carolinas, Georgia)
- Soil type
- Acidic, well-drained, rich in organic matter
- Family
- Ericaceae (heaths and acid-loving plants)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Leucothoe needs consistent moisture without waterlogging. Plant in acidic, peaty or enriched soil, in partial shade.
The common mistake
Planting it in standard well-draining soil; it withers and yellows, whereas it demands very stable, almost peaty substrate moisture.
The pro's trick
Mulch with 5-7cm of blonde peat each spring: this retains moisture, slightly acidifies the soil and produces denser flowering.
Seasonal watch
Autumn: if autumn is dry, water regularly until November; a Leucothoe dried out in autumn will suffer more severely from winter frost.
Care
Watering
Leucothoe appreciates soil that stays consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during the growing season (spring-summer) and during dry spells. Reduce watering in winter but don't let the soil dry out completely. Organic mulch helps retain moisture.
Light exposure
Prefer a location in part shade or light shade. Leucothoe will tolerate morning sun but dislikes direct afternoon exposure, particularly in warm regions, which can scorch the foliage. Choose a spot sheltered from cold winds.
Soil
Require acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.5) with good structure, enriched with organic matter (compost, pine bark). Ensure effective drainage to prevent root rot. Amend regularly with organic matter to maintain fertility.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering (May-June) to maintain a compact, airy shape. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring. Avoid severe pruning which could weaken the plant; prefer gradual, regular interventions.
Fertilizer
An annual application of organic fertilizer or one specific to acid-loving plants in spring is sufficient. Avoid overly concentrated chemical fertilizers that can damage foliage. Regular mulching gradually provides necessary nutrients.
Diseases and pests
Leucothoe is generally robust but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in overly humid, confined conditions. Ensure good air circulation. Watch for scale insects in greenhouses or under cover. Preventive treatment through leaf cleaning and aeration is usually sufficient.
Did you know?
Desfontaines' leucothoe is named after the French botanist René Louiche Desfontaines (1750-1833), an explorer in North Africa and major figure in classical botany. This evergreen plant, which brightens shady gardens with its delicate spring flowering, was highly prized by Victorian landscapers for creating romantic woodland compositions.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CowberryVaccinium vitis-idaea
- Cross-leaved heathErica tetralix
- Bog rosemaryAndromeda polifolia
- BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Strawberry treeArbutus unedo
- Tree HeathErica arborea
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.