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Leucothoe fontanesiana (Dog hobble)

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Skill rating Beginner
skill rating
Ultimate spread 2.5m
max. spread
Ultimate height 1.5m
max. height
Time to maturity 10-20 years
to maturity
Maintenance level 1 hour care
per year

Botanical name: Leucothoe fontanesiana

Other names: Leucothoe walteri, Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum, Dog hobble, Drooping laurel, Switch ivy

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Genus: Leucothoe

Species: L. fontanesiana - L. fontanesiana is a small evergreen shrub with glossy narrow leaves often tinged purple in winter and small white, pitcher-shaped flowers in spring.

Leucothoe fontanesiana is: Evergreen

Flower: White in Spring

Foliage: Flushed purple in Winter; Dark-green in All seasons

Habit: Bushy

Awards: RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Watch out for

Pests: Generally pest free.

Diseases: Generally disease free.

General care

Propagation methods: Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings. REGISTER to read more...

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Leucothoe fontanesiana (Dog hobble) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 2.5m after 10-20 years.

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Suggested uses: Foliage only, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance

Cultivation: Grow in moist, acid soil in shade or partial shade.

Suitable for your garden?
In progress indicator
This plant likes... Garden match
Soil types: Clay, Loamy, Sandy Match unknown
Soil drainage: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained Match unknown
Soil pH: Acid Match unknown
Light: Partial Shade, Full Shade Match unknown
Aspect: North, East, West Match unknown
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered Match unknown
Hardiness: Hardy (H4) Match unknown

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Switch Ivy

Comment from Laura Thomas

Also known as Dog Hobble, Switch Ivy is an evergreen shrub which provides interest all year round - new growth is apricot tinted and in autumn the leaves develop a purply bronze tinge to their edges. (was slightly alarmed by this at first as I thought it was a sign of stress or disease). Does not climb despite its name but is a useful ground cover shrub.

In April/May bears pendant, white flowers very similar to Pieris 'Lily of the Valley' with which it complements well.

  • Views: 280
  • Replies: 0
  • Posted: Tue. 28th April 2009 19:24

We list 4 suppliers who tell us they sell Leucothoe fontanesiana (Dog hobble). In order to see the list you'll need to either register or log in as a full member.

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Gardens with this plant

My garden
My garden
erica

City Woodland Garden
City Woodland Garden
Laura Thomas

My garden in Recanati
My garden in Recanati
Alfredo Celiberti

 

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