Leucothoe axillaris
Spreading, evergreen shrub about 1.2m tall, with arching stems, zig-zag towards the ends and leathery, narrow, oval dark green leaves that turn purplish-red in winter. Small, urn-shaped white flowers are produced in short racemes from the leaf axils, in late spring
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Purple Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Leucothoe can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs with simple, leathery leaves and racemes or panicles of small bell- or urn-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in reliably moist, acid soil in partial or full shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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