Maintenance Landscaping Design

Leucothoe fontanesiana is a shrub that is native to North America. The plant has white flowers that bloom in the spring. The leaves of the plant are green in the summer and turn red in the fall. The plant grows in woods and in damp areas.

Also called

• Mountain dogwood
  
• Fetterbush
  
• Swamp fetterbush
  
• Leatherleaf
  
• Mountain laurel

Common Knowledge

• Leucothoe fontanesiana is a plant species in the Ericaceae family.
  
• It is native to North America, specifically the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.
  
• It is a small evergreen shrub that typically grows to 1-3 m (3-10 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are simple, oblong to elliptical in shape, and dark green in color.
  
• The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters of 3-15 blossoms.
  
• The fruit is a small, dry, dark brown capsule.
  
• The species is named after French botanist Pierre Fontanes.
  
• It is sometimes commonly called mountain laurel, although it is not closely related to the true laurels.
  
• It is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its attractive foliage and flowers.
  
• It is relatively easy to grow and care for, and can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

Related plant:
Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red

Planting Process

1. For leucothoe fontanesiana, first step is to purchase a young plant from a nursery or online retailer.
   
2. Once you have your plant, find a location in partial to full shade for planting.
   
3. Prepare the planting area by clearing out any weeds and loosening the soil.
   
4. Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of your plant.
   
5. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
6. Water the plant well.
   
7. Fertilize the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer once a month.
   
8. Prune the plant as needed to maintain its shape.
   
9. Watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful leucothoe fontanesiana plant!

Related plant:
Leucothoe Scarletta

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Leucothoe fontanesiana grows best in moist, acidic soil that is high in organic matter. It is tolerant of compacted soils and can even grow in wet areas. This shrub does not do well in alkaline or dry soils.

Light condition

Just like other members of the Leucothoe genus, Leucothoe fontanesiana prefers acidic soil and plenty of organic matter. It also prefers filtered sun to full sun, and will do best in partial shade in hot summer climates. This shrub is also tolerant of some salt and can be used in coastal gardens.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for growing leucothoe fontanesiana are those that are cool and moist. This plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, and so it is used to growing in conditions that are similar to those found in the wild. Because of this, leucothoe fontanesiana is not tolerant of heat and dryness. It is best to grow this plant in a location that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and it should be well-drained.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%-70%. The soil should be moist but not soggy, and the plant should be misted regularly.Leucothoe fontanesiana is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that is native to North America. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring. The plant is also known as mountain laurel or dog hobble.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a light application of an all-purpose fertilizer in the spring. It's also important to make sure the plant is getting enough water, as it is drought-sensitive. Over-watering can also be an issue, as the roots are susceptible to rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a necessary part of growing leucothoe fontanesiana. This evergreen shrub can become quite large, so pruning is necessary to keep it looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth. The best time to prune leucothoe fontanesiana is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Plant Propagation

Propagation for leucothoe fontanesiana can be done through rooting stem cuttings or by seed. For stem cuttings, take 6-8 inch cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that have been well-watered. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining propagation mix. Water well and place in a bright, indirect light location. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks, roots should form and new growth should appear. For seed, sow in late winter or early spring in a well-draining seed starting mix. Sow seeds on the surface of the mix and press lightly into the mix. Water well and place in a bright, indirect light location. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in 6-8 weeks, seedlings should appear. Transplant to individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on until large enough to plant out in the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and fall when the temperature is moderate and there is adequate rainfall. In the northern hemisphere, growth begins in late April and continues until mid-July. In the southern hemisphere, growth begins in early October and continues until late January. The plant typically grows best in full sun to partial shade.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include blackening of the leaves, browning of the tips, and wilting. These problems are typically caused by too much sun, too little water, or too much fertilizer. To fix these problems, make sure to provide the plant with moderate sun exposure, keep the soil moist, and fertilize only every other month.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water your leucothoe fontanesiana plant, especially during the summer months.
  
• Place your plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  
• fertilize your plant regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your plant as needed to maintain its shape and size.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat accordingly if necessary.
  
• Avoid over-exposing your plant to direct sunlight, as this can cause sunburn.
  
• during the winter, protect your plant from the cold by placing it in a sheltered spot.
  
• If you live in an area with heavy rains, make sure to drainage is adequate to prevent waterlogging.
  
• If you live in an area with high humidity, make sure to provide adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases.
  
• Check the roots regularly and replant if necessary.

Related Plants

• Arbutus menziesii
  
• Arbutus unedo
  
• .
  
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  
• Arctostaphylos columbiana
  
• Arctostaphylos tomentosa
  
• Arctostaphylos nevadensis
  
• Arctostaphylos glauca
  
• Arctostaphylos patula
  
• Arctostaphylos pungens
  

Source:
Leucothoe fontanesiana | Tennessee Smart Yards
Drooping Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana) - Selecting Shrubs …
Species: Leucothoe fontanesiana - Cornell University