Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' (Rainbow Drooping Fetterbush, Rainbow Dog Hobble)

Michael's Opinion

This is a spectacular fountain-shaped shrub adding interest to the garden in all seasons. In early spring, pretty white urn-shaped flowers emerge, drooping behind the leaves. Glossy young foliage emerges with pink, white and copper variegation maturing to green and cream. In winter the colour changes again to deep burgundy or bronze. I would recommend using it as an informal border, 'en masse' or as a specimen or understory plant. The species, Leucotho� fontanesiana tends to sucker prolifically, verging on being invasive. 'Rainbow' is a better selection as it is less aggressive.

Botanical Information

FamilyEricaceae
GenusLeucothoe
Speciesfontanesiana
Cultivar'Rainbow'
SynonymsLeucothoe fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesBarnard, Loretta, Etherington, Kate and Parker, Janet, eds. 'The Plant Finder: The Right Plants for Every Garden.' Firefly Books Ltd.: Richmond Hill, 2007. Print. Dirr, Michael A., Heuser, Charles W. 'The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation.' Timber Press: London England, 2006. Print.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 - (-23)
Temperature (°F)-20 - (-10)
Height1 - 2 m
Spread1 - 1.5 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis colonizing shrub takes 15 - 20 years to reach its full size. It has graceful, arching branches, interesting, variegated leaves and small, urn-shaped flowers blooming on long racemes dangling below the leaves.
ID CharacteristicVariegated leaves are long, sharply pointed and have fine, wide-spread serrations. Thick basal branches arch with minimal lateral branching.
ShapeFountain-like.
LandscapeThis understory shrub can be used in naturalizing, mass plantings or as a specimen plant. Also good for bank stabilization and erosion control.
PropagationBest propagated by cuttings as seeds may not be true to form. To increase the success rate treat summer cuttings with 1000 ppm IBA and winter cuttings with 3000 ppm IBA with an excellent success rate. Untreated cuttings take slightly longer to establish.
CultivationGrow in a sheltered location; part to full shade; moist, well-drained, highly organic, slightly acidic soil. It is intolerant of full sun and requires protection from winters drying winds. Rejuvenate in spring by hard pruning right to the ground. Container grown specimens transplant with high success rates.
PestsVery susceptible to defoliation by leaf spot. Even the healthiest of plants grown in optimal conditions may contract this disease. Root rot that distorts growth, can also be problematic.
Notable SpecimensMount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThin, shiny and very smooth. Ranges in colour from greenish to red and even purplish.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionConical, red, 2.5 cm long, scales are sharply pointed.
Leaf DescriptionSimple, alternately arranged, 2 ⨉ 10 cm, leafstalk 80 mm long. Ovate to lanceolate, leathery, slightly glossy and glabrous. New foliage emerges with pink, white and copper variegation, maturing to a creamy green variegation. May turn deep burgundy or bronze during winter.
Flower DescriptionSlightly urn-shaped, white and off-scented, borne on 5 - 7 cm long, pendulous racemes. Can be hidden by the foliage.
Fruit DescriptionFive-valved capsule, opening upon maturity, 40 mm in diameter, brown when ripe.
Colour DescriptionBark can range from green to red and even purplish, while on new growth, stems are brilliant red. Foliage emerges with pink, white and copper variegation and subsides to a creamy green variegation. Leaves often turn a deep burgundy or bronze during winter. Flowers are white while the fruit is brown when ripe.
Texture DescriptionMedium throughout all seasons.

Photographs