shrub RHS AwardN. America Native

Drooping Leucothoe

Name: Drooping Leucothoe
Brand: Leucothoe
Availability: InStock

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

$24.50

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial shrub

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Leucothoe fontanesiana is a suckering, arching evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It is prized for its graceful form, glossy leaves, and clusters of small, white, urn-shaped flowers, thriving in shady, acidic conditions. 'Rainbow' is a popular cultivar celebrated for its stunning variegated foliage. The leathery leaves are mottled with shades of cream, yellow, and pink on a green background, with new growth emerging in vibrant shades of red and bronze.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Rainbow' is a showstopper in the shade garden, providing a splash of year-round color with its spectacularly variegated foliage. Its graceful, arching stems and delicate spring flowers add elegance and texture, brightening up dark corners of the landscape.

This shrub is an excellent choice for difficult shady and moist areas where other plants might struggle. It can be used for erosion control on sloped, shaded banks due to its suckering habit, which helps to stabilize soil.

The small, urn-shaped flowers provide a nectar source for early-season pollinators, particularly bees. The dense, evergreen foliage offers shelter for birds and other wildlife throughout the year.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$24.50

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sheltered site with partial to full shade.
Ensure the soil is acidic, moist, and rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot.
Backfill with amended soil and water in well.
Apply an acidic mulch like pine needles or shredded bark.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh afternoon sun and drying winter winds to prevent leaf scorch and ensure best foliage color.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistently moist, acidic soil.
Mulch well to keep the shallow roots cool and moist.
Prune out any dead or damaged branches after flowering.
Plant where its graceful, arching form can be appreciated.

Don't

Don't plant in full sun, which will scorch the leaves.
Avoid alkaline or dry, compacted soils.
Don't let the plant dry out, especially during summer.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal leaf spot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Colorful accent for shady woodland gardensGraceful foundation planting on north-facing wallsTextural element in mixed container arrangements

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta Ferns (various) Astilbe Pieris japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Drooping Leucothoe questions

What zones can Drooping Leucothoe grow in?

Drooping Leucothoe 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 Drooping Leucothoe deer resistant?

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

When does Drooping Leucothoe bloom?

Drooping Leucothoe typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Drooping Leucothoe need full sun?

Drooping Leucothoe does best in part shade.