Leucothoe Curly Red

Leucothoe Curly Red

Coast Leucothoe.   Coastal Dog Hobble.

Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red is an evergreen, spreading, low-growing shrub with undivided, thick, curling and puckered leaves.

The leaves are reddish in the spring, green in summer, then red in autumn and winter. Clusters of small, white urn-shaped flowers appear in spring.

Height 1m Spread 1m. (Untrimmed). It enjoys sun or part shade, and is Hardy in the UK.

Plant in ericaceous soil or compost

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Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red is a stunning evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Ericaceae. It is native to Japan and grows well in the UK. The plant is characterized by its unique and attractive curly red leaves that make it a popular choice for landscaping purposes.

Leucothoe Curly Red is a relatively small shrub that typically grows up to 3 feet in height and spread. The plant has a compact and dense growth habit and produces numerous branches that form a well-branched structure. The foliage is the main highlight of this shrub, with its distinctive curly red leaves that emerge in the spring and maintain their color throughout the growing season. The leaves are oblong and wavy, and their edges are slightly curled, giving them a unique appearance. In Autumn the foliage changes to a bronze-red colour, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. In addition to its attractive foliage, the shrub produces small white flowers in the spring that are arranged in clusters. The flowers are not particularly showy but are still charming and add to the plant’s overall beauty.

Leucothoe Curly Red is a relatively low-maintenance shrub that is easy to grow and care for. It thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight but can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. It is essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate drought or waterlogged conditions. The shrub benefits from regular watering during the growing season, especially in the first year after planting, to establish a strong root system. In terms of fertilization, the plant benefits from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring or early summer. It is also essential to prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Leucothoe Curly Red is primarily grown for its ornamental value, and it is a popular choice for landscaping purposes. The plant’s unique curly red leaves add a splash of color to any garden, and its compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for small gardens, borders, or as a low hedge. In addition to its aesthetic value, the shrub has some potential health benefits. Like other plants in the Ericaceae family, Leucothoe Curly Red contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may have some therapeutic benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

In conclusion, Leucothoe Curly Red is an attractive evergreen shrub that is easy to grow and maintain. Its unique curly red leaves add a splash of color to any garden, and its compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for small gardens or borders. While primarily grown for its ornamental value, the plant may have some potential health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you are looking for a low-maintenance shrub that adds color and interest to your garden, Leucothoe Curly Red is definitely worth considering.