How to Grow Leucothoe - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Leucothoe is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall. The leaves of the leucothoe plant are elliptical in shape and have a toothed margin. The flowers of the leucothoe plant are white and borne in clusters. The fruit of the leucothoe plant is a black drupe.

How to Grow Leucothoe - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Fetterbush
  • Swamp dogwood
  • Buttonbush
  • Red-twig dogwood
  • Arrowwood

Basic info

  • Leucothoe is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae.
  • The genus comprises five species, all native to North America.
  • The plants are evergreen shrubs with alternate, simple leaves.
  • The flowers are small, white, and borne in racemose inflorescences.
  • The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe.
  • Leucothoe is closely related to the genus Pyrola.
  • The name leucothoe comes from the Greek words leuco, meaning "white", and thoe, meaning "flower".
  • Leucothoe is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its foliage and flowers.
  • The plant is also used in traditional medicine.
  • Leucothoe is considered to be a low-maintenance plant.

Related plant:
Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red

Growing Steps

  1. For leucothoe, first step is to grow the plant from seed.
  2. Next, water the plant regularly and fertilize it monthly.
  3. When the plant is big enough, prune it regularly to keep it from getting too large.
  4. Leucothoe prefers full sun to partial shade, so choose a location accordingly.
  5. As the plant grows, you may need to stake it to keep it from getting top-heavy and falling over.
  6. In late summer, leucothoe will produce small white flowers.
  7. After the flowers fade, the plant will produce small black berries.
  8. Once the berries are ripe, they can be eaten fresh or used in recipes.
  9. If you want to collect the seeds, wait until the berries are completely black and then gently squeeze them to release the seeds.
  10. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant them in the spring.

Related plant:
Leucothoe Axillaris

The Soil

About soil condition, Leucothoe prefers moist, acidic soil but can tolerate some drying out once it is established. It will not tolerate heavy, wet soils. If the soil is too alkaline, the leaves may develop yellow patches.

Light requirement

Like the other members in the Ericaceae family, leucothoe prefers acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0. They also like soils that are high in organic content and well-drained. Leucothoe can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but they prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. If the soil is too alkaline, the leaves will turn yellow.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions for leucothoe are moderate to cool. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun if given enough moisture. Leucothoe will tolerate a wide range of soils, from sand to clay, as long as they are not allowed to dry out.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant that first comes to mind is a green, healthy plant that is properly hydrated. However, not all plants are created equal and some, like leucothoe, actually prefer a low nitrogen fertilizer. In terms of roots, leucothoe has shallow roots that spread outwards, so it is important to make sure the root ball is not too large or it will not thrive.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your leucothoe healthy and looking its best. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning your leucothoe, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to prune away any dead or damaged branches.

About Propagating

Propagation is best carried out by seed, layering or softwood cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seed in late winter or early spring in a cold frame. Seed germination can be erratic. When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Layering can be carried out at any time from early spring to late summer. In late winter or early spring, take softwood cuttings from young shoots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is rapid during the spring and summer, with a more moderate growth rate during the fall. Winter growth is usually very slow or nonexistent. To encourage leucothoe growth rate, give the plant a light trimming in early spring.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include powdery mildew, root rots, and leaf spots. These problems are often caused by too much moisture and not enough airflow around the plant. To prevent these problems, make sure you plant leucothoe in an area with good drainage and plenty of airflow.

List to Know

  • Make sure to plant your leucothoe in an area that receives partial to full shade.
  • These plants do best inacidic soil, so if your soil is neutral or alkaline, you may need to amend it.
  • Leucothoe are relatively drought-tolerant, so they don't need a lot of water. Water them deeply but infrequently.
  • Fertilize your plants in the spring with an acidic fertilizer.
  • These plants are relatively slow-growing, so be patient when waiting for them to mature.
  • Prune your leucothoe plants in the late winter or early spring to shape them and encourage new growth.
  • Be on the lookout for common pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew.
  • These plants are deer-resistant, so you don't have to worry about them being nibbled on.

Substitution

  • Leucothoë fontanesiana
  • Leucothoë axillaris
  • Leucothoe
  • Leucothoë lunulata
  • Leucothoë fontanesiana
  • Leucothoe arborea
  • Leucothoë axillaris
  • Leucothoe
  • Leucothoë luzoniensis
  • Leucothoe

Source:
A taxonomic revision of Leucothoë (Ericaceae; Tribe Gaultherieae)
Species: Leucothoe fontanesiana - Cornell University
Leucothoe | Keywords | Elisabeth C. Miller Library

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category