shrubN. America Native

Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe

Leucothoe axillaris 'Margie Jenkins'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

18 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Leucothoe axillaris, or Coast Leucothoe, is a low-growing, arching evergreen shrub native to the southeastern U.S. It is valued for its glossy leaves, graceful habit, and clusters of small, white, urn-shaped flowers. 'Margie Jenkins' is a particularly compact and dense selection with smaller leaves than the species. It maintains a neat, mounding habit without much pruning and has excellent disease resistance.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its fine texture, glossy evergreen leaves, and low, spreading habit provide excellent year-round appeal. The foliage often takes on attractive bronze or purplish tones in winter, adding another season of interest.

This shrub is a workhorse for shady, moist areas. It excels as a groundcover, helping with erosion control on slopes, and is a great choice for foundation plantings on the north or east side of a house.

As a native plant, it supports local ecosystems. The dense growth provides valuable cover for small wildlife, and the spring flowers offer nectar for early native pollinators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with partial to full shade.
Amend soil with compost or peat moss to increase acidity.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch with pine needles or shredded bark to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil rich in organic matter, similar to its native woodland habitat, for best performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic, humus-rich, consistently moist soil.
Provide shade, especially from hot afternoon sun.
Mulch annually with organic matter like pine straw or compost.
Prune after flowering to maintain a tidy shape.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or dry, compacted soil.
Avoid exposing it to harsh, drying winter winds.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
Avoid heavy fertilization.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful evergreen groundcoverFoundation planting for shady areasWoodland garden texture plant

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Kalmia latifolia Hosta Athyrium (Ferns) Tiarella cordifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe questions

What zones can Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe grow in?

Margie Jenkins Coast 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 Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe deer resistant?

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

When does Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe bloom?

Margie Jenkins Coast 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 Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe need full sun?

Margie Jenkins Coast Leucothoe does best in part shade.