Leucothoe axillaris

<em>Leucothoe</em> <em>axillaris</em> visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Leucothoe catesbyi

Shrubs

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

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Pruning group 1

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