Rainbow Fetterbush

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

Other Names:  Mountain Doghobble, Dog Hobble

Description:

Amazing green and cream splashed leaves tinted with burgundy; a compact shrub with pretty clusters of urn-shaped white flowers that compliment the interesting foliage; arching stems have a zigzag pattern; best in part-shade; water in extreme heat

Ornamental Features

Rainbow Fetterbush is blanketed in stunning racemes of white flowers along the branches in mid summer. It has attractive creamy white-spotted dark green foliage with hints of red. The glossy narrow leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall, which persists throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Rainbow Fetterbush is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Disease

Rainbow Fetterbush is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Container Planting

Photo: Courtesy of Canadale Nurseries