Leucothoë fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow', Rainbow leucothoe
Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Leucothoë fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow'

Rainbow leucothoe

Ericaceae

Species native to southeastern United States (Appalachian Mountains); cultivar of garden origin (Girard Nurseries, Ohio)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Width3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
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
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A cultivar of Leucothoë fontanesiana forming a spreading, mounding evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide, with gracefully arching stems. Growth rate is moderate, adding 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) per year, slower than the all-green species type due to reduced chlorophyll in the variegated foliage. This cultivar is distinguished from the species by its multicolored foliage: new growth emerges pink to red, maturing to a mosaic of green, cream-white, and pink sectors. The variegation pattern is irregular, with each leaf showing a different proportion of colors. In winter, the pink and red tones intensify, particularly in sites with more light exposure. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, leathery, with finely serrated margins. Stems are arching, green to reddish-brown. Flowers appear in April to May in pendulous racemes 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, consisting of small white urn-shaped blooms each approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long. Spreads slowly by underground suckers. Requires acidic soil with pH 4.5-6.0. The variegated foliage is more susceptible to leaf scorch in full sun than the species type. Branches that revert to all-green foliage should be removed promptly, as reverted shoots grow more vigorously and will dominate the plant.

Native Range

The species Leucothoë fontanesiana is native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia south through the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia and Tennessee. Found naturally along mountain stream banks, moist ravines, and bluff bases in acidic, humus-rich soils under deciduous canopy shade at elevations of 1,000-5,000 feet (300-1,500 m). The cultivar 'Girard's Rainbow' originated in cultivation at Girard Nurseries in Ohio.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in woodland gardens, shade borders, and foundation plantings where the variegated foliage provides color in low-light areas, at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. Frequently used in combination with darker-foliaged shade plants such as Helleborus and ferns for contrast. Suitable for containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L) with acidic potting mix. Not suitable for hot, sunny positions.

How to Identify

Distinguished from other Leucothoë cultivars and species by its multicolored variegated foliage with irregular sectors of green, cream-white, and pink to red on each leaf. New growth is predominantly pink to red, transitioning to mixed variegation as leaves mature. Leaves are lance-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long with finely serrated margins, arranged alternately along arching stems. Distinguished from L. axillaris 'Rainbow' selections by the longer, narrower leaf shape and taller, more upright-arching habit of L. fontanesiana.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green
cream
pink
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowers from April to May in USDA zones 5-8. Small, white, urn-shaped flowers are borne in pendulous axillary racemes 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long along the arching stems. Individual flowers are approximately 0.25 inches (6 mm) long. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. The bloom display is secondary to the variegated foliage as the primary ornamental feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Variegated: green, cream-white, and pink to red sectors; intensified pink-red winter color

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
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

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 in partial to full shade; the variegated foliage scorches more readily in direct sun than the green species type, particularly in afternoon sun during summer. Requires consistent moisture; water weekly in the absence of rain during the first two growing seasons and during summer dry periods thereafter. Mulch with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of acidic organic material. Remove any all-green reverted branches at their point of origin immediately upon discovery, as reverted growth is more vigorous and will overtake variegated portions. Cercospora leaf spot may develop in humid, poorly ventilated conditions; improve air circulation and remove affected foliage. Protect from cold, desiccating winter winds in exposed sites in zones 5-6.

Pruning

Prune after flowering in late spring by removing the oldest one-third of stems at ground level annually to maintain vigor and encourage colorful new growth. Leggy or overgrown plants can be cut back to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in late winter; regrowth emerges from the base within the same season. Remove all-green reverted branches at their point of origin at any time of year. Remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring before new growth begins.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans