shrubN. America Native

Coastal Leucothoe

Name: Coastal Leucothoe
Brand: Leucothoe
Availability: InStock

Leucothoe axillaris

$26.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Leucothoe axillaris is a low-growing, arching evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It features glossy, leathery leaves and produces small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in spring. This species is valued for its graceful, arching form and its foliage, which emerges with bronze tints and turns a rich burgundy-purple in fall and winter. It's an excellent native groundcover for shady, moist areas.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A superb evergreen for shady areas, providing year-round interest with its glossy leaves, graceful arching habit, and beautiful bronze-to-burgundy fall and winter color. The delicate, fragrant spring flowers are an added bonus.

Its spreading, suckering habit makes it an excellent groundcover for erosion control on shady slopes and banks. It is a great choice for massing under large trees where other plants may struggle. Its deer resistance is a major advantage in many landscapes.

As a native plant of the southeastern U.S., it supports local ecosystems. The spring flowers provide an early nectar source for native bees. The dense foliage offers cover for ground-dwelling birds and other small wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$26.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shady or partially shaded site with acidic soil.
Incorporate compost or leaf mold to improve organic content.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the container.
Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
Backfill, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Water well and apply a layer of acidic mulch.

Pro Tip

Provide consistent moisture; this plant thrives in damp soil and will suffer in drought.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds.
Keep the soil consistently moist.
Amend soil with organic matter at planting time.
Prune out old, non-productive stems to encourage new growth.

Don't

Do not plant in full sun, which will scorch the leaves.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Do not plant in alkaline soils.
Avoid heavy fertilization; a top-dressing of compost is usually sufficient.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful woodland groundcoverElegant bank stabilizerLush underplanting for trees

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Kalmia latifolia Tiarella cordifolia Polystichum acrostichoides Hydrangea quercifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Coastal Leucothoe questions

What zones can Coastal Leucothoe grow in?

Coastal Leucothoe is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Coastal Leucothoe deer resistant?

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

When does Coastal Leucothoe bloom?

Coastal 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 Coastal Leucothoe need full sun?

Coastal Leucothoe does best in part shade.