Leucothoe

The genus Leucothoe includes more than 40 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, growing to a height of 2.5 m. All the species described here are unpretentious plants. Evergreen species that are most often used in decorative floriculture, compact, with long curved branches. The leaves are regular oblong-lanceolate leathery, often with a serrated edge. In many varieties, variegated leaves acquire a very bright color in autumn. The flowers are white, sometimes with a pink tint, collected in inflorescences-brushes or panicles. Fruits - 5-lobed rounded seed pods. Leucothoe axillaris is an evergreen species with long, curved branches that are pubescent at an early stage. The leaves are leathery, ovate-lanceolate with pointed tips. The flowers are white, collected in a brush, bloom in spring. Leucothoe fontanesiana (L. fontanesiana) is an evergreen species with long curved reddish branches, slightly pubescent at an early stage. The leaves are oblong or ovate-lanceolate, elongated at the end. The flowers are white, collected in drooping brushes, bloom in May. Very common variety 'Rainbow' with crimson-red shoots and variegated leaves, first pink-cream pattern, later white-green. Very beautiful is also 'Scarlet' with crimson-red leaves, which in the autumn-winter period acquire a dark red color. Of the others, the very compact 'Dwarf' also deserves attention. Leucothoe racemose (L. racemosa) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen (depending on temperature and light) species with young shoots covered with a thin, delicate down. The edges of the leaves are cut in the form of rounded teeth, the shape of the leaf plate can be oblong or elliptical. The flowers are white, fragrant, collected in apical brushes, bloom in spring.

The genus Leucothoe includes more than 40 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, growing to a height of 2.5 m. All the species described here are unpretentious plants. Evergreen species that are most often used in decorative floriculture, compact, with long curved branches. The leaves are regular oblong-lanceolate leathery, often with a serrated edge. In many varieties, variegated leaves acquire a very bright color in autumn. The flowers are white, sometimes with a pink tint, collected in inflorescences-brushes or panicles. Fruits - 5-lobed rounded seed pods.

Leucothoe axillaris is an evergreen species with long, curved branches that are pubescent at an early stage. The leaves are leathery, ovate-lanceolate with pointed tips. The flowers are white, collected in a brush, bloom in spring.

Leucothoe fontanesiana (L. fontanesiana) is an evergreen species with long curved reddish branches, slightly pubescent at an early stage. The leaves are oblong or ovate-lanceolate, elongated at the end. The flowers are white, collected in drooping brushes, bloom in May. Very common variety 'Rainbow' with crimson-red shoots and variegated leaves, first pink-cream pattern, later white-green. Very beautiful is also 'Scarlet' with crimson-red leaves, which in the autumn-winter period acquire a dark red color. Of the others, the very compact 'Dwarf' also deserves attention.

Leucothoe racemose (L. racemosa) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen (depending on temperature and light) species with young shoots covered with a thin, delicate down. The edges of the leaves are cut in the form of rounded teeth, the shape of the leaf plate can be oblong or elliptical. The flowers are white, fragrant, collected in apical brushes, bloom in spring.

Cultivation

Leucothoe is grown in the open ground in gardens where the plants can withstand any conditions (shade and high soil humidity) that are not suitable for most other flowering or decorative-leaved shrubs. They grow perfectly in the undergrowth, and some of the most compact species (Leucothoe axillaris 'Compact', Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Dwarf') - in rock gardens. They can also be grown in pots on balconies and terraces. Planted in a permanent place in the ground in autumn or spring. The land must be sufficiently moist, but well-drained, peaty, or at least rich in organic matter and acidic. Calcareous soils are completely excluded. The main application of fertilizers - when planting in the form of manure or prepared compost at the rate of 4-5 kg/m2 and complex fertilizer in the amount of 2-3 g/m2. When growing in pots, the soil is made up of peat and fertile land with the addition of a small amount of sand and a complex fertilizer at the rate of 30 g per bucket. In spring and summer, once every 10-20 days, mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10-20 g per bucket. Pruning is only required to restrain plant growth and shorten weak and unsightly branches that are cut almost at the root. Prune after flowering.

Leucothoe is grown in the open ground in gardens where the plants can withstand any conditions (shade and high soil humidity) that are not suitable for most other flowering or decorative-leaved shrubs. They grow perfectly in the undergrowth, and some of the most compact species (Leucothoe axillaris 'Compact', Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Dwarf') - in rock gardens. They can also be grown in pots on balconies and terraces.

Planted in a permanent place in the ground in autumn or spring. The land must be sufficiently moist, but well-drained, peaty, or at least rich in organic matter and acidic. Calcareous soils are completely excluded. The main application of fertilizers - when planting in the form of manure or prepared compost at the rate of 4-5 kg/m2 and complex fertilizer in the amount of 2-3 g/m2. When growing in pots, the soil is made up of peat and fertile land with the addition of a small amount of sand and a complex fertilizer at the rate of 30 g per bucket. In spring and summer, once every 10-20 days, mineral fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation in the amount of 10-20 g per bucket. Pruning is only required to restrain plant growth and shorten weak and unsightly branches that are cut almost at the root. Prune after flowering.

Location

Most species prefer partial shade and even shade. Only Leucothoe racemose is suitable for bright lighting.

Temperature

Most species of Leucothoe are resistant to both high and low air temperatures. However, for the winter, it is recommended to mulch the soil surface, covering the plant bases with a thick layer of leaves.

Watering

Plants of the genus Leucothoe necessarily require high soil moisture. Therefore, they should be watered during the dry season, watering is also necessary for potted plants. Only Leucothoe racemose tolerates severe drought.

Transplant

It is produced from late autumn to early spring, if the roots of the plant can no longer fit in the container. When using large containers, you can limit yourself to replacing the surface layer of the earth with a new one.

Reproduction

Most often, at the end of summer, semi-woody cuttings 10-15 cm long are taken and planted in a soil of peat (60%) and sand (40%). After the roots are formed, the seedlings are transplanted into pots one at a time. Next year they can be planted completely. It is also used for sowing seeds, separating rooted processes and multiplying layers.

Most often, at the end of summer, semi-woody cuttings 10-15 cm long are taken and planted in a soil of peat (60%) and sand (40%). After the roots are formed, the seedlings are transplanted into pots one at a time. Next year they can be planted completely.

It is also used for sowing seeds, separating rooted processes and multiplying layers.

Diseases

Individual insect pests cause extensive yellowing of the leaves and the appearance of dark spots on them from the underside. Spots on the leaves can also appear due to fungal diseases. In all cases, chemical treatment is almost never required, just remove the damaged parts. If fungal infections have significantly affected plants, treatment with copper-containing preparations is necessary. Using too dense soil when growing in pots can cause rotting of the roots.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Leucothoe are relatively easy to find in specialized nurseries and gardening centers. Choose specimens with beautiful foliage, with long, strongly curved branches.