Leucothoe fontanesiana

Common Names

Dog Hobble, Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush, Drooping Laurel, Switch Ivy, Highland Doghobble, Mountain Doghobble

Summary

Leucothoe fontanesiana is an evergreen shrub with arching, fountain-like branches, typically 3–6 feet tall and wide. Leaves are glossy dark green, evergreen, turning reddish-purple in winter; drooping clusters of urn-shaped white flowers appear in late spring. Native to the southeastern United States, it prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil in part to full shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5–8. It often forms colonies by suckering and tolerates some sun only with consistent moisture.

Several cultivars exist, including Rainbow, Nana, Scarletta, and Rollisonii. Propagation is by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings, with rooting hormone recommended for cuttings. It is generally low maintenance and can be pruned after flowering; requires regular moisture and acidic, well-drained soil. It is deer-resistant and pest-free, but all parts are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested; suitable for shade borders, woodland gardens, ground cover, and naturalized plantings.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

3-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade, Full Shade tolerated, Full Sun tolerable only in cooler climates with ample moisture.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-6.5, Acidic soil

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Late Spring to Early Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green, evergreen, glossy foliage that may turn bronze-purple in winter.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, with no indication of attraction to hummingbirds or birds.