The genus Leucothoe is comprised of shrubs in about 50 species that hail from wooded and wet areas in Madagascar, the Himalayas, East Asia, and North and South America. Their handsome (often glossy) leaves and urn-shaped flowers in dangling clusters make them valuable in the garden, especially in a woodland.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsHandsome foliage and dense clusters of heather-like, dangling flowers.
CarePlant in full or partial shade in consistently moist, acidic soil that is rich in humus.
PropagationStart seeds in a cold frame, or divide suckering species, in spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
ProblemsLace bugs, scale insects, Anthracnose spot, tar spot, powdery mildew, and leaf gall.
