Dog hobble Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' shrub 20-30 pot C2

Size: Hoogtemaat leidend

20-30cm

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Pot 2 ltr. (C2)

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Temporarily sold out
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  Pot 2 ltr. (C2)
  
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  From 10.75
  
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Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' Can be planted now
Careful and fast delivery throughout the United Kingdom

Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Low maintenance
Evergreen

Plant features
Description
Frequently Asked Questions
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Leucothoe (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
2 ltr. (C2)

Flowering months
May, June

Leaf colour
White

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Planter, Pot, Solitary

Soil type
Acid soil

Positioning
Semi-shade, Sun

Winter hardiness
-20,6°C / -15,0°C , USDA zone 6b/7a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
3

Evergreen plants
Yes

Leaf colour
Yellow, Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Bushy spreading growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
20-30

Mature height (cm)
100

Art. no.
1000705

Description

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' | Dog hobble

The Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow', commonly known as dog hobble, is a vibrant, evergreen shrub that offers year-round interest with its multicolored foliage. This versatile plant is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to borders, group plantings, or even as a solitary feature in pots and planters. Its low maintenance and bushy spreading growth habit make it a favorite amongst gardeners looking for a plant that provides consistent beauty without constant care.

Not only does this shrub maintain a beautiful presence through all seasons, but it also graces gardens with delicate white flowers in the spring.

Key features of Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

The Leucothoe 'Rainbow' boasts several features that make it stand out:

Its foliage is an ever-changing canvas of cream, green, and pink throughout the year, ensuring that your garden remains vibrant in all seasons.
In May and June, it blooms with clusters of white flowers that contrast beautifully against the colorful leaves.
This shrub thrives in acidic soil and can adapt to sun or partial shade, giving it versatility in garden placement.
The 'Rainbow' variety reaches a moderate height of about 1 meter, making it an excellent choice for underplanting beneath taller trees or as a low hedge.
As an evergreen, this plant retains its foliage year-round, providing continuous color and texture to your landscape.
It requires average watering, allowing for a balance between moisture retention and drainage to keep it healthy.

Tips

When planting Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow', select a location with acidic soil to ensure optimal growth and foliage color.
While it doesn't require much pruning, occasional shaping can encourage denser growth. Prune after flowering if necessary.
Ensure that the plant is well-watered, especially during prolonged dry periods, as it is not drought-resistant.
Propagation can be done through semi-ripe cuttings or sowing seeds, allowing you to expand your collection or share with other plant enthusiasts.

Ideal placement of a Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' prospers in acidic soil, a vital factor for its successful cultivation. This shrub is best placed in a location where it can bask in the sun or enjoy partial shade. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a spot with dappled light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade is ideal. The site should also offer protection from harsh winds to maintain the shrub's vibrant foliage. With its tolerance for varying light conditions and preference for specific soil acidity, Leucothoe 'Rainbow' offers flexibility in garden design while adding a splash of continuous color throughout the seasons.

How do I plant a Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'?

When planting Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow', choose a location with acidic soil that receives either full sun or partial shade. This evergreen shrub thrives in moist, well-drained conditions and should be spaced suitably to accommodate its bushy, spreading growth habit. The pot-grown root system allows for planting at any time outside of frost conditions. After planting, ensure consistent moisture to aid in establishment, but be mindful to avoid waterlogging. The vibrant foliage will maintain its striking cream, green, and pink hues across all seasons, contributing to a dynamic and colorful landscape year-round.

Pruning a Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

The Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is a low-maintenance shrub that typically thrives without the need for extensive pruning. Its natural, bushy spreading growth habit lends itself to a hands-off approach, allowing the plant to develop its shape organically. If shaping is desired or to remove any damaged or dead branches, pruning should be carried out after flowering in early summer to avoid disrupting the budding cycle. The occasional light trim will keep the shrub looking tidy while preserving its lush, evergreen foliage.

Watering a Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

This species thrives when provided with consistent moisture, particularly during its growing season in spring and summer. It is advisable to ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged, as this cultivar prefers an average water supply. During periods of dry weather, increase watering to maintain adequate soil moisture levels. However, due to its non-drought-tolerant nature, it is important to monitor and adjust watering during extended dry spells to prevent stress. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and provide a stable growing environment for this evergreen shrub.

Fertilising a Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

To promote the vibrant foliage and support flowering, it is essential to fertilize Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' correctly. This evergreen shrub thrives with an application of a slow-release acidic fertilizer, ideally in early spring to coincide with the onset of the growing season. The acidic nature of the fertilizer will complement the plant's requirement for acidic soil, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake and foliage coloration.

The granular form of fertilizer should be spread evenly around the base of the shrub, taking care not to let the granules come into contact with the foliage to prevent any potential damage. A second application may be beneficial in mid-summer to maintain the plant's health and vigor throughout the growing season. This feeding regimen supports the bushy spreading growth habit of the plant and enhances its ornamental appeal.

The characteristics of a Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

The Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is prized for its colorful foliage which transitions from a vibrant green to shades of deep red and purple as the seasons change. This plant thrives in acidic soil and is an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance to shade gardens or woodland settings. Its cascading branches make it a striking option for decorative containers on patios or balconies, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any outdoor space with its ever-changing palette.

What will be the height of Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'?

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' typically attains a height of about 1 meter when fully mature.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'?

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' prospers in acidic soil. The appropriate pH level in the soil is pivotal for the optimal growth and vibrancy of this particular plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'?

The optimal location for Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is an area where it can receive sunlight and partial shade. This plant thrives in an environment where it can experience both direct sunlight and partial shade throughout the day.

What is the flowering colour of the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'?

The blooms of Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' are white, adding a delicate and elegant touch to the plant's appearance.

Is the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' hardy?

Indeed, Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' demonstrates winter hardiness. It can endure temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C, corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. This resilience enables the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' to thrive during the winter months in regions within these specified hardiness zones.

Is the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' evergreen?

Indeed, Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is an evergreen plant, meaning it maintains its foliage throughout the year, offering consistent greenery in your garden or landscape.

What is the growth strength of the Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'?

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is a slow-growing plant, taking between 10 and 20 years to reach its ultimate height. This indicates that it is a species that develops steadily over a prolonged period, demonstrating its resilience and longevity.

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