Coastal Leucothoe

The Coastal Leucothoe is a native plant of the southeast that is ideal for shady, damp parts of your garden. It forms a low mound of arching stems, reaching no more than 3 feet tall, but covering up to 5 feet wide. The glossy green leaves are bronzy-red in spring, turning purple tones in winter. In May clusters of bell-shaped flowers sprout from the branches, similar to mountain laurel or Japanese Pieris. Grow it with acid-loving plants are a groundcover beneath trees or on banks, and beside streams, ponds and lakes.

• Attractive clusters of white bell-shaped flowers in spring
• Arching stems of glossy evergreen foliage
• Bronzy-red spring leaves, then purple in winter
• Excellent ground cover shrub for shady and moist soil
• American plant for natural and wild gardens

The Coastal Leucothoe grows well in most light conditions, from sun to shade, if the soil is damp. It grows best in acid soils that are rich in organic matter, and damp to wet, but not stagnant. It has no significant pests or diseases, deer don’t eat it, and it resists salt spray in coastal areas, but not brackish water. No trimming or particular attention is needed for this easy-care plant.