Leucothoe fontanesiana aka Dog Hobble

Taxonomy

Genus Leucothoe Family Ericaceae Order Ericales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Leucothoe fontanesiana, also known as the highland doghobble, fetter-bush, mountain doghobble, or switch ivy, is an erect evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. It grows to a height of 1-2 meters and spreads to about 3 meters wide. The glossy, laurel-like leaves measure 6-16 cm in length and the plant produces pendent axillary racemes of urn-shaped flowers during spring. This shrub thrives in shaded positions with acidic soil and is considered a calcifuge. The cultivar 'Rollissonii' has received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. In addition, L. fontanesiana is a pollinator plant, attracting bees and butterflies. Its compact, mound-forming growth habit features lance-shaped leaves that are mottled with cream and dark green, with a pink flush in spring and a reddish or maroon hue in winter. Bell-shaped white flowers bloom in the spring. This species is hardy to USDA Zone 5.

Common names

Dog Hobble, Fetterbush, Switch Ivy

How to care for Dog Hobble

Difficulty

Dog Hobble is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Dog Hobble should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dog Hobble loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dog Hobble prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Dog Hobble is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

More info:
Wikipedia

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