Curly Red Leucothoe Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red' (PBR)

Water

The Curly Red Leucothoe prefers consistently moist soil, so water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once or twice a week, but frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. It's best to provide a thorough soaking, aiming for approximately one gallon of water per session for a mature plant, ensuring you're wetting the root zone without waterlogging the soil. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering slightly as the plant's water requirements will decrease. Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent overwatering.

Light

The Curly Red Leucothoe thrives in partial to full shade conditions. Ideally, plant it in a location where it can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, so avoid exposing it to harsh sun during the peak hours of the day. Consistent shade is particularly crucial in hotter climates.

Temperature

The Curly Red Leucothoe is hardy and thrives in a wide temperature range, generally between 40°F and 80°F. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F but should be protected from harsh winter winds. Ideal growing conditions are moderate temperatures without extreme heat, as prolonged exposure to temperatures over 85°F may stress the plant.

Pruning

Prune the Curly Red Leucothoe in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or diseased branches. Pruning is also beneficial to promote fresh growth and denser foliage. It's not necessary to prune annually; every 2-3 years is often adequate unless shaping is required more frequently. The best time for pruning is before new growth begins, but after the worst of the winter cold has passed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red', commonly known as Fetterbush, thrives best in acidic soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. The ideal soil mixture should be peat-based with added perlite or sand for drainage and aeration. The soil should be rich in organic matter to retain moisture and provide nutrients.

Repotting

Fetterbush should be repotted every 2-3 years to avoid root crowding and replenish nutrients in the soil. It is best to repot in the early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Fetterbush prefers high humidity conditions, generally around 60% to 80%. Consistent moisture in the air is crucial for its wellbeing, avoiding the extremes of very dry or overly damp environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in indirect light and maintain high humidity for indoor Fetterbush.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade, moist acidic soil, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

'Curly Red' Leucothoe, also known as Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red', begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown, will eventually germinate under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. Following germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself with initial root and shoot growth. As it matures into a young plant, 'Curly Red' Leucothoe develops its characteristic curled, red-tinged leaves and begins to form a bush-like structure. This evergreen shrub then enters a phase of vegetative growth, expanding in both height and spread through the production of new stems and foliage. During spring, the 'Curly Red' Leucothoe produces clusters of small white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers that offer aesthetic appeal and attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle, while the perennial nature of the shrub means it will continue to grow and can live for many years given proper care.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red', commonly referred to as the Coastal Leucothoe, is propagated most effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process is best conducted in late summer to early fall. To do this, one selects healthy, semi-hardwood stems from the current year's growth, usually about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters). The cuttings should have several leaves removed from the lower half to reveal nodes where roots can develop. The base of the cutting is often treated with a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root growth and then inserted into a well-draining rooting medium such as a mix of peat and perlite. The cuttings are then kept under high humidity with moderate light until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks to a few months depending on environmental conditions. Once rooted, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots to continue growing and eventually be moved outdoors.