What hardiness zones is Leucothoë axillaris suitable for?

Leucothoë axillaris is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Leucothoë axillaris?

Leucothoë axillaris requires Part Shade.

How much water does Leucothoë axillaris need?

Leucothoë axillaris has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Leucothoë axillaris

drooping leucothoe

Ericaceae

Southeastern United States from Virginia to Florida, west to Mississippi and Louisiana

At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitSpreading

FoliageEvergreen

Height2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m)

Width3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)

Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancelow

Overview

A broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) tall and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide, with a spreading, mounding habit and gracefully arching stems. Growth rate is moderate, adding 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) per year. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped to elliptical, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long and 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) wide, leathery, and glossy dark green with finely serrated margins. New growth emerges bronze to reddish-bronze in spring, transitioning to dark green by summer. In winter, foliage may develop purple to bronze tones, particularly in sunnier exposures. Stems are arching, green to reddish-brown, creating a fountain-like silhouette. Flowers appear in April to May in axillary racemes 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long along the stems, consisting of small, white, urn-shaped (urceolate) blooms each approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long, resembling those of related Ericaceae members such as Pieris. Fruit is a small, dry capsule approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, not ornamentally significant. Spreads slowly by underground suckers, forming colonies over time. Requires acidic soil with pH 4.5-6.0; chlorosis develops in alkaline conditions. Leaf spot (Cercospora) may cause brown lesions on foliage in humid conditions with poor air circulation.

Native Range

Native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia south to Florida and west to Mississippi and Louisiana. Found naturally along stream banks, in moist bottomland forests, swamp margins, and boggy areas, typically in acidic, humus-rich soils under partial to full shade at elevations from near sea level to approximately 1,500 feet (450 m).

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a groundcover or understory shrub in woodland gardens, shade borders, and foundation plantings on the north or east side of buildings at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. Naturalizes along stream banks and in moist, shaded areas. The arching habit and spreading form make it suitable for erosion control on shaded slopes. Suitable for containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with acidic potting mix.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy, leathery, lance-shaped evergreen leaves 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long with finely serrated margins, arranged alternately along gracefully arching stems. Distinguished from the closely related Leucothoë fontanesiana by its generally shorter stature, wider spreading habit, and leaves that are broader relative to their length. The axillary (rather than terminal) flower racemes give this species its name. Small white urn-shaped flowers in spring and the arching, fountain-like growth form are additional diagnostic features.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

bronze

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowers in April to May in USDA zones 5-9. Small, white, urn-shaped flowers are borne in axillary racemes 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long along the arching stems. Individual flowers are approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Flowers are lightly fragrant at close range. The bloom display is secondary to the foliage as an ornamental feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green; bronze to reddish-bronze new growth; purple-bronze winter tones

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Requires 2-5 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.0(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loampeat

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in acidic soil with pH 4.5-6.0; amend with peat moss or sulfur in neutral to alkaline soils. Requires consistent moisture, particularly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate brief dry periods but leaf margins scorch during prolonged drought exceeding 2 weeks. Mulch with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of acidic organic material such as pine needles or composted bark. Performs best in partial to full shade; full sun causes leaf scorch and faded foliage color, particularly in warmer zones. Cercospora leaf spot can develop in humid, poorly ventilated sites; remove affected leaves and improve air circulation. Lace bugs occasionally cause stippled foliage in dry, sunny conditions.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in late spring by removing the oldest, tallest stems at ground level to maintain a compact, rejuvenated form. Remove approximately one-third of the oldest stems annually to promote fresh basal growth. Plants that have become leggy or overgrown can be cut back hard to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in late winter; regrowth from the base emerges within the same growing season. Remove any winter-damaged foliage in early spring before new growth begins.

Pruning Schedule

late spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans