Leucothoe plants
Leucothoe are a group of versatile, broadleaf evergreen shrubs with fantastic, colourful foliage and attractive, bell-shaped white spring flowers. Leucothoe is best renowned for its interesting and colourful new growth. Most varieties have bronzy, red or vibrant green young stems which deepen to dark, glossy green as they mature. This makes them perfect for growing individually as specimen plants to create a focal point in the garden, or in groups as part of a mixed or shrub border. Smaller varieties also work well in the rockery, as foundation plants or on slopes. They have a vase-shaped growth habit and produce 5-lobed, globular fruits in the summer, then in autumn the leaves of some varieties develop a bronze-red hue, further extending the seasonal interest. Commonly known as Switch Ivy or Dog Hobble, Leucothoe plants are native to moist woodlands and the banks of streams in eastern United States, thriving in neutral or acidic soils. They are low maintenance and pest and disease free, requiring no special attention to thrive.