About This Plant
A little woodland magic with color that changes through the seasons. Rainbow Leucothoe is a graceful evergreen shrub with glossy foliage splashed in shades of green, cream, pink, and bronze. New growth emerges with warm rosy tones before settling into a beautiful variegated display.
Its arching habit adds softness and movement to shady garden spaces, while its evergreen foliage keeps the garden interesting through winter. Perfect for woodland borders, foundation plantings, containers, and tucked-away shady corners.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun. Dig a hole 2–3 times as wide as the pot but no deeper, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Loosen circling roots and backfill with the native soil. Prefers acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 4-6.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during heat and dry spells. Feed in spring with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches any time. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.