Drooping Leucothoe

Leucothoe fontanesiana (Ericaceae) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the mountains of Virginia, Tennessee, and Georgia. It grows at a moderate rate to 3 to 6 feet tall, forming a graceful arching habit with semi-erect branches. White, fragrant, urn-shaped flowers (about 6 mm) hang in drooping spikes from the leaf axils in May. New growth emerges green to bronzy.

Drooping leucothoe demands acidic, moist, well-drained soil (pH 4.5 to 6.0) and performs best in part shade to full shade; full sun causes leaf scorch. It is fire resistant and moderately drought tolerant once established. The plant suckers to form colonies, making it effective for erosion control on shaded slopes. Cultivars include 'Girard's Rainbow' (coppery new growth with white and pink variegation) and 'Zeblid'. Powdery mildew is the primary disease. All parts are toxic (andromedotoxin). Hardy in Zones 4a to 8b.