SCIENTIFIC NAME: Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

COMMON NAME: Rainbow Drooping Leucothoe or Girard's Rainbow Leucothoe

GARDEN SIZE: 3-5 feet tall x 3-5 feet wide; can be kept pruned to 2 feet tall

GROWTH RATE: Slow

USDA ZONE: 5-9

EXPOSURE: Partial Shade; Protect from harsh winter winds

WATER & SOIL: Prefers average to moist, well-drained acidic, humus-rich soil; average water needs, requiring additional water in drought conditions.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, arching stems

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; mottled white and green foliage with scarlet and purple-red accents

FLOWERS: White, heather-like clusters bloom in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: southeastern United States

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Benefits from organically rich soil; fertilize lightly if needed to maintain health

PRUNING: Rarely needed; if desired, prune after blooming

TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.

USES: Borders, Specimen, Woodland garden