Leucothoë fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow'
Rainbow leucothoe
Species native to the southern Appalachian Mountains — Virginia to Georgia; cultivar selected by Girard Nurseries, Geneva, Ohio
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Overview
Leucothoë fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow' is rainbow leucothoe (variegated fetterbush), a spreading evergreen shrub growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide. White urn-shaped flowers 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) in pendulous racemes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in April-May (3 weeks). Tricolor variegated foliage — green, cream-white, and pink to red sectors on lance-shaped leathery leaves 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) on arching stems. In Ericaceae. Selected by Girard Nurseries, Ohio. The tricolor variegation intensifies to pink and red in winter cold. Less vigorous than the plain green species. Produces all-green reversion shoots that must be removed promptly — this reversion tendency is the primary maintenance limitation. Full sun scorches the cream and pink sectors; deep shade reduces color intensity. Requires acidic moist soil (pH 4.5-6.0). Not drought-tolerant. Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8. Part shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Species native to the southern Appalachian Mountains — Virginia to Georgia. Cultivar selected by Girard Nurseries, Geneva, Ohio.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders, woodland gardens, and in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with acidic mix, spaced 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m). Tricolor variegation. Winter pink-red intensification. Monitor for reversion. All parts toxic. Zones 5-8.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April-May). White urn-shaped flowers 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) in pendulous axillary racemes. 3 weeks. Bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, urn-shaped (urceolate), 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm), in pendulous axillary racemes 2-3 inches (5-7 cm); April-MayFoliage Description
Variegated — green, cream-white, and pink to red sectors on new growth; the tricolor variegation intensifies to pink and red in winter cold; lance-shaped, leathery, 3-5 inches (7-13 cm), on arching stems; less vigorous than the plain green speciesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full shade (2-4 hours — avoid full sun, which scorches variegation). Moist acidic soil pH 4.5-6.0. Not drought-tolerant. Remove all-green reversion shoots promptly. Prune after flowering (May-June). Contains grayanotoxin — all parts toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-8.Pruning
Prune after flowering (May-June). Remove all-green reversion shoots promptly. Remove oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh arching variegated growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons