What soil does Drooping leucothoe grow in?

It tolerates these soils: acidic.

Is Drooping 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 Drooping leucothoe be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Drooping leucothoe flower?

Flowering: April–June, white.

How much water does Drooping leucothoe need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Drooping leucothoe

Leucothoe fontanesiana

Drooping leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana) 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 €13.

Illustration of Drooping 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 evergreen shrub with arching stems and glossy pointed leaves that turn bronze-red and burgundy in autumn and winter, with small white bell flowers hanging under the shoots in spring. It needs acidic, humus-rich, constantly moist soil in part shade or shade and looks at home with rhododendrons and ferns. It fails on limy soil and in hot, dry, sunny spots, and every part of it is poisonous, so keep it away from small children, dogs and cats.

Watch out for

In Central Europe most failures come from soil and position: on limy, alkaline soil the leaves yellow and the shrub declines within a few years, and in hot, dry, sunny spots the foliage scorches. It does not tolerate drought or wind, and leaf spot can disfigure it where air circulation is poor. In hard winters it wants a sheltered place and a thick mulch, as winter sun and wind brown the leaves. Shops often mix it up with the very similar, lower Leucothoe axillaris.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 1 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–June, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	0.6–1.8 m × 0.9–2.4 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	April–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	80 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €13

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. €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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