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Woody > Leucothoe > Leucothoe fontanesiana > Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

Leucothoe fontanesiana

'Rainbow'


Rainbow Drooping Fetterbush, Rainbow Dog Hobble




            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

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.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Ericaceae
Genus
Leucothoe
Species
fontanesiana
Cultivar
'Rainbow'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Synonyms
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow'
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
5
Canadian Hardiness Zone
4a - 6a
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-29 - (-23)
Temperature (°F)
-20 - (-10)
Height
1 - 2 m
Spread
1 - 1.5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
General Description
This 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.
Landscape
This understory shrub can be used in naturalizing, mass plantings or as a specimen plant. Also good for bank stabilization and erosion control.
Cultivation
Grow 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.
Shape
Fountain-like.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Variegated leaves are long, sharply pointed and have fine, wide-spread serrations. Thick basal branches arch with minimal lateral branching.
Pests
Very 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.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Thin, shiny and very smooth. Ranges in colour from greenish to red and even purplish.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Conical, red, 2.5 cm long, scales are sharply pointed.
Leaf Description
Simple, 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 Description
Slightly urn-shaped, white and off-scented, borne on 5 - 7 cm long, pendulous racemes. Can be hidden by the foliage.
Fruit Description
Five-valved capsule, opening upon maturity, 40 mm in diameter, brown when ripe.
Colour Description
Bark 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 Description
Medium throughout all seasons.
Notable Specimens
Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada.
Propagation
Best 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.
References
Barnard, 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.
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