Leucothoe Rainbow 3 gal.

Leucothoe Rainbow (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow') 

Description:
Leucothoe Rainbow (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow') is a striking evergreen shrub celebrated for its gracefully arching red stems and vibrant, variegated foliage. Leaves are marbled in shades of green, cream, pink, and bronze, providing year-round color that intensifies to burgundy or plum in fall and winter. In spring, the plant produces drooping clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. Its dense, mounded habit and tolerance for shade make it ideal for borders, woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and mass plantings. Leucothoe Rainbow thrives in moist, acidic soils and is highly deer resistant and low maintenance

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

• Common Name: Rainbow Leucothoe, Doghobble

• Type: Evergreen shrub

• Mature Height: 3–6 feet

• Mature Spread: 3–6 feet

• Growth Habit: Arching, mounded, multi-stemmed

• Foliage: Variegated—green, cream, pink, bronze; turns burgundy/plum in fall and winter

• Flower Color: White, small, bell-shaped clusters

• Bloom Time: Spring (late spring to early summer)

• Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade; filtered sun preferred to prevent leaf scorch

• Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained to poorly drained; rich in organic matter (pH 4.5–6.5)

• Water Needs: Average; prefers consistent moisture, tolerates wet/boggy sites

• Hardiness Zones: USDA 5–8

• Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, pollinators

• Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering or in late winter/early spring to maintain shape

• Resistances: Deer resistant, pest resistant, tolerates drought once established

• Uses: Borders, woodland gardens, mass plantings, foundation plantings, underplanting trees, containers, erosion control

• Special Features: Evergreen, year-round interest, showy foliage, fragrant flowers, excellent for shade gardens