shrub RHS AwardN. America Native

Scarletta Fetterbush

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Zeblid'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Leucothoe fontanesiana, or Drooping Fetterbush, is a shade-loving, evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It is known for its graceful, arching branches and leathery, lance-shaped leaves. 'Zeblid', marketed as Scarletta®, is a superior selection prized for its multi-season color and compact habit. New growth emerges a brilliant scarlet red, matures to glossy green, then transforms to a stunning, rich burgundy for fall and winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Scarletta® offers a dynamic, year-round color show. The brilliant red new growth in spring, glossy green summer leaves, and deep burgundy winter foliage provide constant interest. Its low, spreading habit creates a beautiful, textured groundcover.

It is an excellent problem-solver for shady, moist, or acidic areas where other plants fail. Its dense root system is effective for controlling erosion on slopes, and its deer resistance is a major benefit.

The small, urn-shaped spring flowers provide nectar for early-season pollinators like bumblebees. The dense, evergreen foliage offers crucial winter cover for ground-dwelling birds and other small wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a shady or partially shaded site with acidic soil
Incorporate ample compost or peat moss into the planting area
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil
Backfill with the amended soil and water in well
Apply a generous layer of acidic mulch to conserve moisture

Pro Tip

For the most intense burgundy winter color, provide a location with some morning sun; deep shade will result in greener foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic, humus-rich soil
Provide consistent moisture; this plant loves wet feet
Mulch well to keep the shallow roots cool and moist
Site in a location protected from harsh winter sun and wind

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or heavy clay soils
Avoid letting the soil dry out, which causes leaf scorch and drop
Don't plant in hot, full sun conditions
Do not ingest any part of this plant; it is toxic

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful groundcover for shady woodland gardensExcellent for erosion control on moist, shaded slopesLow foundation planting on the north side of a house

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Kalmia latifolia Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Tiarella cordifolia Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarletta Fetterbush questions

What zones can Scarletta Fetterbush grow in?

Scarletta Fetterbush is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Scarletta Fetterbush deer resistant?

Yes — Scarletta Fetterbush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Scarletta Fetterbush bloom?

Scarletta Fetterbush typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scarletta Fetterbush need full sun?

Scarletta Fetterbush does best in part shade.