Leucothoe Fontanesiana For Sale

Leucothoe Axillaris and Leucothoe Crimson Globe - Best In NZ!

Adding colourful shrubs such as Leucothoe to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Leucothoe plants and the right one for your space. Our varieties include Leucothoe Axillaris, Crimson Globe, Curly Red, and more. More so, they have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Leucothoe, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Leucothoe Questions

1. What is another name for leucothoe?

Another name for Leucothoe is doghobble. This name is thought to come from the fact that the plant's branches can become intertwined, making it difficult to pass through. Leucothoe is also sometimes called fetterbush, drooping leucothoe, or coastal doghobble.

2. How big is a mature leucothoe?

A mature Leucothoe plant can grow to be anywhere from 1-2 m tall and wide, depending on the species or cultivar. Some cultivars can grow even larger, up to 3 m tall and wide.

Here are some examples of Leucothoe species and their approximate sizes at maturity:

• Leucothoe fontanesiana: 1-2 m tall and wide
• Leucothoe recurva: 2-3 m tall and wide
• Leucothoe populifolia: 1-2 m tall and wide
• Leucothoe axillaris: 1-2 m tall and wide

3. Is Leucothoe an evergreen?

Leucothoe is an evergreen shrub. This makes it a great choice for adding colour and interest to your garden during the winter months.

4. Where is Leucothoe native to?

Leucothoe is native to Asia and North America. In Asia, it is distributed in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In North America, it is distributed in the eastern United States, from Canada to Florida. Leucothoe are typically found in moist, well-drained soils in forests, swamps, and bogs. They prefer shady or partially shady conditions.

5. How big is a mature Leucothoe?

The mature size of a Leucothoe plant depends greatly on the specific species or cultivar you have. In general, a mature Leucothoe can range in size from 1-2 metres (3-6 feet) both in height and spread. However, some cultivars can be much smaller or larger. For example:

• Smaller varieties: 'Royal Ruby' only reaches around 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall.
• Larger varieties: 'Rainbow' and 'Scarletta' can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall.
• Giant varieties: Certain Coast Leucothoe cultivars like 'ReJoyce' and 'Curly Red' can reach 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) tall and up to 6 metres (20 feet) wide.

Besides variety, growing conditions like soil quality, sunlight exposure, and water availability can also influence mature size.

6. Can you take cuttings from a Leucothoe?

Taking cuttings is a great way to propagate Leucothoe and create new plants for your garden. Here's what you need to know:

• Early summer is the ideal time when the new growth is semi-ripe and has some flexibility.
• Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the top third of the plant.
• Look for stems that are about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long and have several leaves.
• Avoid woody or diseased stems.
• Use sharp pruners or a knife to make a clean cut just below a leaf node.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving just a few pairs of leaves at the top.
• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
• Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the mix with a pencil or dibber.
• Insert the cutting into the hole and gently firm the soil around it.
• Water the pot well until the soil is evenly moist.
• Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• You can cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, but be sure to air it out regularly to prevent mould.
• Rooting should take 6-8 weeks. Once you see new growth, you can gradually harden off the plants and transplant them to the garden in the autumn.

7. What are the conditions for Leucothoe?

Leucothoes are beautiful evergreen shrubs with attractive foliage and delicate flowers in spring, but they have some specific preferences for optimal growth:

Soil:

• Acidity: They thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. If your soil is alkaline, you can amend it with peat moss, composted pine needles, or sulfur to lower the pH.
• Drainage: Well-draining soil is crucial. Leucothoes don't tolerate soggy conditions, as it can lead to root rot.
• Organic matter: Adding organic matter like compost to the soil helps improve drainage and retain moisture.

Light:

• Shade to partial shade: Leucothoes prefer shady or partially shaded locations, especially in hot climates. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves. However, some varieties can tolerate more sun in cooler regions, as long as the soil remains moist.
• Protection from wind: Shelter them from strong winds, as their delicate branches can be damaged.

Water:

• Moist soil: Consistent moisture is essential but avoid overwatering. Aim to keep the soil damp but not soggy. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture.
• During dry periods: Water deeply during hot, dry periods to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

Additional factors:

• Fertilizer: Leucothoes don't require heavy doses of fertiliser. However, a light application of acidic fertilizer in spring is required: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants
• Pruning is not necessary for most Leucothoes, but you can remove dead or diseased branches and lightly shape the plant if desired.
• Leucothoes are generally pest- and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is too wet.

8. Is leucothoe poisonous to dogs?

Leucothoe, also known as dog hobble, is poisonous to dogs and other animals like cats and horses. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, berries, and flowers, contain grayanotoxins, which can cause serious illness or even death if ingested.

Here's what you need to know about Leucothoe and its toxicity:

Symptoms of poisoning:

• Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• More severe symptoms may include excessive drooling, weakness, depression, coma, cardiovascular problems like low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, seizures, and respiratory failure.
• Even small amounts can be harmful, so immediate veterinary attention is crucial if you suspect your dog has eaten Leucothoe.