Leucothoe Curly Red 17cm pot

Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red' (Coastal Dog Hobble)

A striking, slow-growing evergreen shrub grown for its distinctively curled, glossy foliage, which emerges a warm orange-red before maturing to dark green through summer and turning scarlet and deep purple-red again in autumn and winter. Clusters of small, slightly fragrant, urn-shaped white flowers appear in spring, adding a gentle contrast to the twisted leaves. As a member of the Ericaceae family, all parts are toxic if ingested, so it's best sited away from areas frequented by pets or children who might nibble it.

A compact, dense grower, reaching around 45 to 50cm in height and spread — perfect for smaller borders, patio containers, or as underplanting in a shady, acid-soil bed. Growth is slow, typically just a few inches a year. Grow in moist, acidic, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade, using an ericaceous compost mix where garden soil isn't naturally acidic. Prune only lightly in late winter if needed, as flowers form on the previous year's growth.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.