The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: dwarf drooping leucothoe

Family: Ericaceae (heath family)

Distribution: Species native to s.e. United States

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: This broadleaf evergreen grows to only 2' high but can spread to 6' wide. The fragrant, white, urn-shaped flowers appear in May. New growth of green and bronze matures to dark green. In the winter it develops a bronze and purple color. This plant prefers an acid, well-drained, organic soil in shade or part shade. It will not tolerate drought conditions or dry, sweeping winds.