What soil does Coast leucothoe grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic.

Is Coast leucothoe hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

How far from the house should Coast leucothoe be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Coast leucothoe need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Coast leucothoe

Leucothoe axillaris

Coast leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris) is a shrub. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about €16.

Illustration of Coast leucothoe — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, slow evergreen with glossy leaves for shady spots on acidic soil; the forms on sale turn red to maroon in autumn and hold that colour all winter. It fails on limy soil and in hot, dry sun, so do not try it there: give it acidic, humus-rich, evenly moist soil in part shade or shade, shelter from wind and a mulch over the roots. Shops often mix it up with its relatives (Leucothoe fontanesiana, Leucothoe keiskei), which need the same conditions. All parts are poisonous.

Watch out for

Most Central European garden soils are alkaline: there it yellows, declines and dies, so grow it only in acidic soil or in a bed or tub filled with ericaceous compost, ideally watered with soft water. It does not cope with hot, dry summers or a root ball that dries out, nor with waterlogging (root rot). Leaf spot can occur, and the foliage may scorch in cold, dry, windy winters.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 50 cm × 70 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	50 cm × 70 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 0.9–1.8 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €16

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €16

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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