Rainbow Leucothoe Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' (v)
ABOUT
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow', commonly known as Rainbow Fetterbush or Drooping Leucothoe, is a striking ornamental shrub renowned for its colorful foliage. This garden favorite boasts elongated leaves that emerge with a mix of colors, presenting in shades of red, pink, cream, and green. As the seasons change, so too does the foliage of Rainbow Fetterbush, with leaves transitioning to a more marbled cream and green pattern, adding visual interest and a dynamic aspect to garden landscapes. The plant's leaves are glossy and have a leathery texture, which provides a year-round sheen that gleams in the sunlight, amplifying its attractiveness. The edges of the leaves may show a gentle serration, giving them a delicate and appealing contour. In terms of its growth habit, Rainbow Fetterbush has a tendency to arch gracefully, and its branches may droop attractively, giving it a relaxed yet composed appearance that suits various planting schemes. During its blooming season, the Rainbow Fetterbush produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that dangle from the stems. These flowers are typically white or pale pink and add a subtle, fragrant dimension to the shrub's overall allure. The flowers are made even more conspicuous by the standout backdrop of the variegated leaves. Altogether, Rainbow Fetterbush is cherished by gardeners and landscapers for the year-round visual interest it provides through its captivating combination of foliage colors, lustrous leaves, and its elegant flowering performance. It is a plant that can bring life and color to shaded garden areas, and its ever-changing palette harmonizes well with other plants in a mixed border or as part of a foundation planting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Drooping Leucothoe, Fetterbush, Mountain Doghobble, Rainbow Leucothoe, Rainbow Fetterbush, Rainbow Drooping Leucothoe.
Common names
Leucothoe catesbaei, Leucothoe catesbaei var. angustifolia, Leucothoe catesbaei var. editorum, Leucothoe catesbaei var. purpurea, Leucothoe fontanesiana var. angustifolia, Leucothoe fontanesiana var. walteri, Leucothoe racemosa, Leucothoe recurva.
ToxicityTo humans
Rainbow Leucothoe is considered toxic to humans if ingested. Parts of this plant contain grayanotoxins, which can cause poisoning with symptoms that may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cardiac complications, which can be dangerous and may require medical attention.
To pets
Rainbow Leucothoe is also toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Like in humans, the toxicity is due to grayanotoxins, and the symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness, and lack of coordination. Severe poisoning can lead to low blood pressure, cardiac problems, and even coma. If a pet is suspected of ingesting any part of the plant, immediate veterinary care should be sought.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Southeastern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage: The 'Rainbow' variety has colorful leaves, which change throughout the seasons, adding visual interest to gardens.
- Shade tolerance: Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' can grow well in shaded areas, where other plants might struggle.
- Erosion control: This plant's root system helps stabilize soil on slopes, making it useful for controlling erosion.
- Wildlife habitat: It provides shelter and food for birds and other wildlife.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Disease resistance: It's relatively resistant to common plant diseases, ensuring a healthy garden with less effort.
- Year-round interest: Its evergreen nature means it keeps gardens looking lively, even in winter.
- Compact growth: Its moderate growth habit makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed border.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The leaves of the Rainbow Leucothoe may be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of hues depending on the mordant used.
- Photography Background: The plant's striking foliage, with its mix of colors, can serve as a beautiful natural backdrop for macro and plant photography.
- Culinary Garnish: The vibrant leaves, if non-toxic, could add aesthetic value as a garnish to culinary presentations, although they are not commonly consumed.
- Holiday Decor: Stems and leaves can be used in floral arrangements or wreaths to add a touch of natural color during the holiday season.
- Insect Habitat: Providing a home for beneficial insects, the dense foliage offers shelter and breeding grounds for many species.
- Art Supplies: The varied colors of the leaves can be used in art projects, such as pressing for botanical prints or collages.
- Watercolor Paints: The pigments extracted from the leaves might be used by artists to create unique watercolor paints.
- Education: The plant can be used as a subject for botany studies or gardening workshops due to its unique adaptive features and care requirements.
- Biodegradable Confetti: When dried, the leaves could be used as a natural and biodegradable confetti for celebrations and events.
- Sensory Gardens: Rainbow Leucothoe can be included in sensory gardens for its visual appeal and the texture of its leaves, enhancing the sensory experience.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Drooping Leucothoe is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Drooping Leucothoe is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: The 'Rainbow' cultivar is known for its ability to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing flexibility and the capacity to adjust to different life situations.
- Diversity: With its multi-colored leaves, the Leucothoe 'Rainbow', also known as Dog Hobble, often represents diversity and the inclusion of various qualities or elements to create a harmonious whole.
- Transformation: As the leaves of the Dog Hobble 'Rainbow' change colors through the seasons, it symbolizes transformation and the natural progression of life's phases.
- Growth: The growth habit of this plant, spreading to fill space in the garden, can embody personal growth and the tendency to expand one's boundaries.
- Harmony: Dog Hobble is often used in shady garden settings to create a sense of balance and tranquility, symbolizing peace and harmony in one's environment.
WaterFor the Rainbow Leucothoe, ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged by watering deeply and allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Typically, water once every week, but adjust according to weather conditions. During dry spells, irrigation might be necessary twice a week, providing about one to two gallons per plant to sufficiently hydrate the roots. In the winter, reduce the frequency as the plant's water requirements decrease.
LightRainbow Leucothoe thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for planting under tree canopies or in the shadow of buildings. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided to prevent scorching of the leaves. The plant performs best in a spot that receives filtered sunlight most of the day or consistent dappled shade.
TemperatureThe Rainbow Leucothoe prefers a cool to moderate temperature range and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 80°F. Ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 70°F. Avoid placing in areas with high heat or where temperature fluctuations are extreme as it can stress the plant.
PruningPrune the Rainbow Leucothoe to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth as needed, typically once a year in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches to maintain plant health. Pruning also helps to control the size of the plant in landscaped areas.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLeucothoe, commonly known as doghobble, thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. The best soil mix for Rainbow Doghobble should be rich in organic matter, such as a mixture of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite or sand, to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regularly amending the soil with compost or leaf mold will help maintain its structure and fertility, suitable for this acid-loving shrub.
RepottingRainbow Doghobble should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, and repot in early spring before new growth begins, taking care not to disturb the roots excessively as they can be sensitive.
Humidity & MistingRainbow Doghobble prefers high humidity environments but can adapt to average household humidity levels. To maintain an optimal environment for this plant, aim for a humidity range of 50-60%, which can be achieved with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep doghobble in bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant doghobble in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleLeucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow', commonly known as Rainbow Leucothoe, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-draining soil conditions, often in partial to full shade. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a young plant with distinctive variegated foliage, which is a sign of reaching the juvenile stage. As the plant matures, it enters its adult phase, characterized by further growth into a dense, evergreen shrub with arching branches, and it typically reaches full size in several years. During the spring, the Rainbow Leucothoe produces delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers, after which it sets seed, thereby completing the reproductive stage. After the flowering season, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth where new leaves and stems are produced, and it continues to grow and thicken. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant capable of living for many years, producing flowers and seeds each season, and exhibiting seasonal leaf color changes, adding value to garden aesthetics year-round.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow', commonly known as Dog Hobble, is best propagated during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for Dog Hobble is by softwood cuttings. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) piece. The cutting should include at least two to three pairs of leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development, and then plant it in a moist potting mix. Ensure the mix is well-draining to prevent rot. Place the pot in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the young plants can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
