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