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Fetterbush

Leucothoe Fontanesiana

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Overview

Leucothoe fontanesiana, commonly known as Fetterbush, is a versatile evergreen shrub with arching branches and rich, glossy leaves that turn deep red-purple in fall. Grows 3-5 ft high and wide, preferring acidic, well-drained soil. Ideal for partial to full shade, it features dainty white flowers in spring. Excellent for mass plantings, woodland gardens, and borders for year-round interest. Zones 5-8. Maintenance is minimal, requiring light pruning to shape.

Sun Deep Shade, ShadeWater MediumZones 5–9Type Broadleaf Evergreen, ShrubClimate Temperate
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — emitting a subtle fragrance and providing a nectar source for local pollinators; lance-shaped leaves that, image 65

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Mature height
3–5 Ft.
Mature width
3–5 Ft.

Classification

Type
Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub
Family
Ericaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (101)

Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 4 inches long; making it an ideal choice for foundation plantings, image 61
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — Ideal for partial to full shade, it features dainty white flowers in spring; with a spread of 4 to 5 feet, image 74
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — preferring part shade to full shade conditions
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — evergreen shrub typically matures to a height of 3 to 6 feet
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — white flowers in the garden; excellent for mass plantings, woodland gardens, and borders for year-round, image 67
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — Maintenance is minimal, requiring light pruning to shape; broadleaf evergreen / shrub for deep shade or shade, image 53
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — preferring part shade to full shade conditions; emitting a subtle fragrance and providing a nectar source for local
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — Excellent for mass plantings, woodland gardens, and borders for year-round interest; the foliage adds seasonal interest
Fetterbush (Leucothoe Fontanesiana) — delicate clusters of bell-shaped white flowers dangle from the branches
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Leucothoe Fontanesiana
Photographs by 3 contributors

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