Leucothoe fontanesiana

Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Average mature size of 3-6' tall and 3-6' wide. Slow to medium growth rate, 3-5' in 4-5 years.

Native Range

Southern Appalachians along streams in shade.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers are perfect, white, fragrant, slender-urn shaped, blooming April to May on 2-3" long, auxiliary racemes that hang down. Fruits are dehiscent, 5-valved capsules.

Leaf and Bark Features

Fall color includes some bronze, reddish-purple, or green, genetically controlled. Bark is green to glabrous and shiny. Stems are long and slender with little or no lateral branches.

Culture and Care

Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained, organic soil, in partial to full shade. Will not withstand drought or dry winds. Rejuvenate by pruning to ground after flowering. Zones 4-8. Susceptible to leaf spots, root rot.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Contrasts nicely with Rhododendron, hides leggy plants, covers shady banks, a good undergrowth plant.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA

The following taxa are (or were) represented in the collections at Boone County Arboretum. Additional taxa may be available in the trade that are not included here.

  • Leucothoe fontanesiana // Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush ("straight species")
    Shrub.
    -- not currently in our collection --

  • Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' // Rainbow Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush
    Shrub. New growth may emerge white, pinkish, coppery, and other combinations. A showy evergreen shrub when new leaves are emerging.
    -- not currently in our collection --