SCIENTIFIC NAME: Leucothoe axillaris

COMMON NAME: Coastal Doghobble

GARDEN SIZE: 2-4 feet tall x 3-6 feet wide

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): Low-growing, arching, mounding, spreading shrub

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Glossy, leathery, thick twisted orange-red leaves; turn purplish-bronze in winter

FLOWERS: Fragrant, showy clusters of heather-like, white, bell-shaped flowers bloom from March to May

PLANT ORIGIN: southeastern United States (south of Tennessee)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

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