Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red

Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red is a hard-working evergreen shrub whose eye-catching foliage will provide garden interest year-round. It’s an excellent addition to your garden, whether large or small.

Native to the mountains of the south-east United States, Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red has adapted well to the conditions in the UK. In early spring the plants are covered with white, bell-shaped flowers from March to May, followed by bright red berries which develop by autumn and will attract birds to your garden. Throughout the year, the shrub is covered with interestingly twisted leaves that change colour with the seasons, going from glossy red-orange in the spring, to green in the summer, and then finally to bright red in the autumn, persisting throughout the cold months and giving a bright burst of colour to the winter landscape.

Fully hardy throughout the UK, Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red will slowly grow to a height eventually reaching 0.5-1 metre and spread of 1.5-2 metres. The plants require little pruning. You just need to cut back dead or damaged stems as required. The plants will spread slowly through underground roots to create a dense ground cover if desired.

Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red will grow best in an acidic clay, loam or sandy soil in a moist, well-drained location. Plant in part shade for best results, as these plants grow on the forest floor in their native habitat. They can be grown in a sheltered or exposed location. 

Because of its year-round attractive foliage, Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red makes an excellent specimen planting in a small city garden, where it will easily adapt to container growing. It will provide a shot of colour on a rooftop terrace or balcony, as well as in a courtyard garden or on a patio. It also works well in a rock or gravel garden, where its low growth habit will fill in a spot and give year-round interest. Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red also is the answer for problem spots in a larger landscape, where its root system and spreading growth make an excellent ground cover, choking out weeds, and also provide erosion control on steep banks. 

Leucothoe Axillaris Curly Red can be either a stunning specimen plant in a small city garden, or a hard-working groundcover on a country property. Either way, its evergreen leaves will brighten your garden year-round!