Leucothoe axillaris, commonly known as Coastal Leucothoe or Doghobble, is a shrub native to the southeastern United States. It belongs to the Ericaceae family and thrives in temperate climates. This evergreen shrub is known for its arching branches and glossy, dark green leaves. It typically undergoes a dormancy period during the winter months.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Leucothoe axillaris is a shrub native to the southeastern United States, with the common names swamp dog-laurel and coastal dog-hobble. It has been reported from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina and Virginia. It grows on floodplains in coastal areas at elevations of less than 200 m (660 ft).
Leucothoe axillaris is a branching shrub up to 2 m (7 ft) tall. Leaves are up to 8 cm (3 in) long. Flowers are white, cylindrical, up to 8 mm (0.3 in) long. Fruit is a dry capsule.
The cultivar Scarletta = ‘Zeblid’ has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Car
Sunlight
While this shrub can grow in full sun, coast leucothoe prefers partial shade. Full sun and hot temperatures can dry out the leaves and flowers, so if you plant this in a partial sun location, morning sun is preferable to afternoon sun.
Temperature and Humidity
Leucothoe doesn’t like extremes in temperature, hot or cold. It can wilt or dry out in the hot afternoon sun. It likes ample water and may even enjoy some misting from your sprinkler or hose on a hot balmy day to keep its leaves moist and happy.
Watering
This shrub needs regular watering to perform best and extra water during a drought season, as it is not drought-tolerant. During its bloom season, water deeply at the base so flowers get enough moisture.
Soil
Coast leucothoe does best in humus-rich, loamy, organic, lime-free soil that is slightly acidic but can tolerate soils from neutral to reasonably acidic. Good drainage is essential. Add material that will help improve moisture retention and drainage to help this shrub perform best: peat moss, coffee grounds, composted manure, and a bit of sand.
Fertilizing
Apply complete fertilizer in the early spring before the new growth starts. Do not fertilize the plant after midsummer, as that will stimulate new growth prone to winter damage. If your soil tends to be alkaline, you can also use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants but make sure to measure the soil pH before. For fertilizer amounts to use per application, follow product label instructions.
Pruning
The only regular pruning that is necessary should be done in the spring after the plant has finished blooming. Shorten and thin out broken or errant branches. Shearing is optional; it takes away from the plant’s natural arching habit.
Propagation
This shrub can be propagated from cuttings taken in early summer (June):
- Cut off a 5-inch long, strong stem from the new growth using a sharp knife or pruner.
- Fill a 4-inch pot with potting mix. Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or stick for each cutting and insert the cuttings in the holes. Water well until the soil is evenly moist.
- Place the pots in a reasonably warm location but out of direct sun. Keep the soil moist. The cutting should form roots in 10 to 12 weeks.
- Allow the plant to continue establishing its roots in a container indoors through its first winter.
- Transfer the plant to its permanent spot in the garden during the late spring season. If planting more than coast leucothoe, space them at least three feet apart.
How to Grow from Seed
Most coast leucothoes are cultivars, and if you collect the seeds from the plant, you won’t get a plant that is true to the parent. The best way to propagate it is from stem cuttings. However, if you get seeds from a seed company, here’s how to sow seeds:
- Start by surfacing sowing the seeds on moistened soil by gently pressing them into the soil in late winter in pots indoors.
- Cover the seeds and keep the soil moist to encourage germination.
- You can replant them in separate pots after new growth and the seedlings are robust.
- Keep new plants indoors or in a greenhouse over their first winter season. New plants need protection from extreme temperatures and harsh weather.
- In the late spring, transplant them outdoors to a partially shady spot, spacing plants at least 3 feet apart.
Potting and Repotting
Coast leucothoe makes a good container plant. Select a lightweight potting mix and a pot with ample drainage holes, as it needs excellent drainage. Once the plant outgrows its container, indicated by roots reaching the sides of the container, or growing out of the drainage holes, replant it in a container one size larger in the spring. Fill the pot with fresh potting soil.
Overwintering
The plant is susceptible to damage from extreme cold or winter winds. This can be avoided by planting it near a structure or within an array of larger shrubs two or three feet apart. Protect the roots by applying a thick layer of mulch around the base.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Leucothoe does not have many disease and pest problems. Insufficient soil drainage can cause root rot, primarily through stunted growth and yellowing and wilted leaves. Another possible disease is leaf spot, starting with dark spots on leaves and, in severe cases (usually in cool, wet springs or caused by overhead watering), can lead to girdling of the plant stems and kill them.
Common Problems
Being a native North American plant, coast leucothoe has no common problems when planted within its natural climate range. Besides not liking too much sun, extreme heat, or harsh wind, this plant is quite hardy and resilient.
- Wilting
A wilting coast leucothoe is likely an under watered plant. Provide more water on a regular schedule to rejuvenate this plant. During periods of hotter weather, provide more water. Plants in containers also need more water than plants rooted in the ground.
- Yellowing Leaves
Coast leucothoe likes getting watered from above and misted leaves during hot or sunny days, but it does not like having wet feet or soggy soil. An overwatered coastal leucothoe will have yellowing leaves and may drop its leaves when stressed by having too much water. Yellowing can also be caused by nutrient-deprived soil; to avoid nutritional deficiencies, provide compost-enriched soil as a planting medium and give fertilizer up through midsummer.
III. Types of Coast Leucothoe
Coast leucothoe is in the Ericaceae family or heather family, the same family as acid-loving blueberries, cranberries, and rhododendrons. Popular varieties of coast leucothoe include:
- Leucothoe axillaris’ ReJoyce’ has bright red new growth and deep red fall color, growing up to 3 feet tall and nearly 4 feet wide; cultivated by the Joyce Nursery in southern New Jersey.
- Leucothoe axillaris’ Curly Red’ has an even more dramatic color range than the species, emerging in spring with orange-red new growth and taking on shades of scarlet red in summer and purple in autumn. Small red berries appear soon after the flowers, attracting songbirds.
- Leucothoe fontanesiana’ Rainbow’ is a cultivar of another native leucothoe species called drooping laurel. This colorful plant has interesting green-yellow leaves, maroon edging, red stems, and buds. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide.
- Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Zeblid’ is often sold as ‘Scarletta.’ The deep red leaves of this low-growing shrub turn a striking scarlet-purple in the spring and a lovely bronze-red shade in the fall and winter.
IV. Uses and Benefits
With its decorative evergreen leaves and elegant hanging flower clusters, coastal doghobble can be an excellent specimen shrub or a hedge. It is most commonly planted in woodland gardens, native gardens, and naturalized areas. Also, it can be used to stabilize slopes and riverbanks. The blooms are attractive to butterflies and bees, making coastal doghobble both decorative and useful in wildlife gardens, pollinator gardens, and butterfly gardens.
Find Where to Buy the Best Coastal Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris)
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