Rainbow Leucothoe Leucothoe Scarletta = 'Zeblid'

Water

The Scarletta Leucothoe, also known as Doghobble, prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This plant will usually require watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on the climate and season. During the hotter periods, it may need watering two to three times a week, and during colder months, less frequent watering is necessary. When watering, aim to provide approximately one gallon of water per plant, ensuring even soil moisture without waterlogging.

Light

The Scarletta Leucothoe thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It is best positioned in a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. This plant should not be placed in intense, direct sunlight as this can damage the foliage, preferring instead dappled light or a north-facing exposure for optimal growth.

Temperature

The Doghobble prefers a temperature range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit once established. It's recommended to protect the plant from extreme cold by mulching its base in fall. The ideal temperature conditions for promoting good growth are around the 70-degree Fahrenheit mark.

Pruning

Prune Doghobble in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any overgrowth to keep the plant looking tidy. Pruning is not required frequently, but an annual trim can benefit the plant's health and appearance. The best time for a more thorough pruning is after the plant has bloomed to avoid cutting off next year's flower buds.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Drooping Leucothoe 'Zeblid' prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-6.0. A well-draining soil mix with peat moss, pine bark, and perlite is ideal to promote healthy root growth and to ensure proper drainage, which is crucial for this plant's health.

Repotting

Drooping Leucothoe 'Zeblid' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the early spring before new growth starts, ensuring minimal stress to the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Drooping Leucothoe 'Zeblid' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. If grown indoors, it may benefit from the use of a humidity tray or room humidifier to maintain sufficient moisture in the air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit area away from direct sun; keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade location; protect from harsh sun and wind.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Leucothoe Scarletta ('Zeblid'), commonly known as Drooping Leucothoe, begins its life as a seed that germinates in spring to early summer under the right conditions of moisture and temperature. It then produces a young seedling with a small rosette of leaves that will develop into a mature plant over several years, with stems that can reach up to 3-4 feet tall. The plant produces evergreen foliage which changes color throughout the seasons, from red-bronze in spring to dark green in summer, and then to purple in the fall and winter. In late spring to early summer, small white or pale pink, bell-shaped flowers bloom in clusters, providing ornamentation and potential pollination by attracting bees and butterflies. After fertilization, the flowers will develop into tiny capsules containing seeds that can be dispersed to start new plants. Finally, as a perennial shrub, it enters a period of dormancy in winter, during which growth slows down, only to begin again the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Spring-Early Summer

• Leucothoe Scarletta 'Zeblid', commonly known as the Drooping Leucothoe or Fetterbush, is most effectively propagated during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is semi-hardwood cuttings. To propagate, a gardener would take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from a healthy, semi-hardwood portion of the plant, typically from the mid to late summer growth. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the base of the cutting treated with a rooting hormone to speed up the rooting process. It is then inserted into a planting medium that is kept moist until roots develop, which generally takes several weeks. During this time, the cutting should be kept in indirect light and at a consistent temperature to promote rooting. After the roots have established, the new Fetterbush plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.