Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid allowing the plant to dry out completely, especially during hot or dry periods, as this can stress the plant.
Also known as Drooping Leucothoe · Fetterbush · Highland Doghobble
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Dog-Hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is an attractive evergreen shrub with arching stems, white bell-shaped flowers, and leathery leaves that turn bronze in winter.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in dappled shade; protect from intense afternoon sun.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers moist soil; avoid drought stress.
Acidic, moist, well-drained loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures; dislikes extreme heat.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed in spring and optionally mid-summer with balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains grayanotoxins, which are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid allowing the plant to dry out completely, especially during hot or dry periods, as this can stress the plant.
Prune immediately after flowering in late spring or early summer to shape the plant and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This encourages bushier growth and better flowering for the following year.
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining medium. Maintain high humidity until roots develop, typically within 6-8 weeks.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in early spring before new growth emerges. Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably acidic. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Dog-Hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana)
Where Dog-Hobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Leucothoe |
| Species | Leucothoe fontanesiana |
Similar in genus Leucothoe
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
