Leucothoe fontanesiana (Dog Hobble)

Leucothoe fontanesiana (Dog Hobble) is a graceful, fountain-like, evergreen shrub prized for its gracefully arching stems. They are clad with glossy, lance-shaped leaves, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm), with widespread serrate margins. Often emerging bronzy or reddish, the foliage matures to dark green as the season progresses before turning bronze to purplish in winter. In late spring to early summer, drooping clusters of urn-shaped white flowers appear below the branches. The showy flowering clusters, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), often weight the branches down, creating a lovely weeping effect. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The foliage provides good cover, especially in the winter. A desirable evergreen shrub for the shade garden. It may be pruned as a groundcover.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-180 cm). Will sucker to form colonies over time.
• A part shade to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist, acid soil. Dog Hobble does not tolerate drought or windy conditions.
• Perfect for shrub borders, for banks and slopes, woodland gardens or cottage gardens.
• Low maintenance, this plant is generally disease and pest free. This plant is highly resistant to damage from deer.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Propagate by seed and semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Flowers and leaves are poisonous.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to the southeastern United States.