Leucothoe axillaris

Common Names

Coast Leucothoe, Coastal Leucothoe, Coastal Doghobble, Doghobble, Fetter Bush

Summary

Coast Leucothoe axillaris is a Southeastern United States native evergreen shrub with an arching, spreading habit and zig-zag stems, glossy, dark green, leathery leaves provide year-round color, often taking on bronze or purple tones in winter, in spring, small urn-shaped white flowers appear in clusters at the leaf axils, sometimes mildly fragrant and attractive to pollinators, giving the plant a refined, evergreen presence for shade gardens, preferring moist, acidic, well-drained soil, it thrives in partial to full shade and requires consistent moisture, with drought avoidance, hardy in USDA zones 5–9, it is relatively low maintenance and suitable for foundations, borders, mass plantings, woodland/shade garden landscapes, slopes, or as a hedge or ground cover, mulch helps retain moisture, propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, and seeds are also possible, the plant is deer resistant.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

24-48 inches

Spread

36-60 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade, grows in partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

4.5-6.0

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring (April–May)

Foliage Color

Dark green; glossy on the upper surface with paler beneath, and foliage may turn purple and red in winter.

Fall Foliage Color

Bronze, Bronze and purple, Copper, Green, Green Red, Green and red, Multi-Color, Purple, Reddish bronze, Wine plum color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees