Leucothoe Rainbow

Grown for its beautiful foliage and small cream flowers, Leucothoe fontanesiana Rainbow is a small to medium-sized, evergreen shrub with narrow, arching branches, striking in a shrub border or in front of dark trees. The long, lance-shaped, glossy leaves are bright green and mottled pink, red and cream. Small white flowers appear in summer. Sometimes known as highland dog hobble, for its habit of rooting at the branch tips and making an impenetrable tangle, Leucothoe Rainbow makes good, weed-suppressing ground-cover. For best colour, grow in dappled, not full, shade.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Moist, acidic soil
Position: Full shade or partial shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 5’ (1.5m) Spread: 5-6’ (1.5–1.8m)