Leucothoe axillaris curly red is a plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the Ericaceae family and is closely related to the rhododendron. This plant is a shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of the leucothoe axillaris are curved and have a red hue to them. The flowers of the plant are white and grow in clusters. The leucothoe axillaris is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It is a popular plant for gardeners because of its colorful leaves and its ability to attract butterflies.
Related plant:
Leucothoe Curly Red
About soil condition, leucothoe axillaris curly red prefers well-drained,humus-rich soil, and can grow in both sun and partial shade. It's an easy plant to grow, and is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. In fact, it's one of the few plants that will do well in both dry and wet soils.
Similar to other members of the Leucothoe axillaris family, the Curly Red variety prefers sun to partial shade. Homemakers will find this an easy houseplant to grow in bright, indirect light. It is an especially good choice for growing in a north-facing window.
The temperature condition that is required for leucothoe axillaris curly red to grow properly is a cool to cold climate. This plant is not tolerant of heat and will not do well in warm or hot climates. It is best suited for growth in zones 4-8.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. below this and the leaves will start to curl and turn red. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to increase the amount of light this plant receives to prevent leaf drop.
Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season. However, be sure to leach the soil well after applying fertilizer to avoid salt buildup, which can damage the roots.
Pruning your leucothoe axillaris curly red is a great way to keep it looking its best. This plant is known for its beautiful, bright red foliage, and pruning will help it maintain its shape and prevent it from getting overgrown. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves, as well as any shoots that are growing out of place. You can prune leucothoe axillaris curly red anytime of year, but early spring is the best time to do it, before the plant starts to actively grow.
Propagation of Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red' is best accomplished by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from tips of new growth and should be 4-6 inches long. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and Dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and water well. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil moist. New roots should form within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, you can transplant your new plants into individual pots.
Usually, the plant growth rate is during the spring and summer months. The plant will grow best in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It is a slow-growing plant, so be patient when waiting for it to mature. When it blooms, it will produce small, white flowers that are quite pretty.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, root rot, and scale. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is a condition caused by too much moisture around the roots of the plant. Scale is a small, hard, brownish-black insect that sucks the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant.
Source:
Louisiana Plant ID | Leucothoe axillaris (downy leucothoe) - LSU
Leucothoe axillaris | Landscape Plant Propagation Information
Dog-hobble (Leucothoe axillaris)
