Overview
Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles, also commonly known as Coastal Doghobble or Fetterbush, is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States and Canada. This plant belongs to the Ericaceae family and is closely related to blueberries and rhododendrons.
Appearance
The Coastal Doghobble is a small to medium-sized shrub that can grow up to three meters tall in the wild. The shiny, dark green leaves are alternate, simple, and lanceolate, measuring around 5-10 cm in length. The plant's leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall, giving a beautiful autumn tone to your landscape. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, and drooping. These flowers typically bloom in late spring and early summer. The fruit is a capsule containing many seeds but is not particularly ornamental.
Uses
The Coastal Doghobble is a popular ornamental plant that can be seen in many gardens, parks, and landscapes in the United States. It is often used for its beautiful foliage, which adds color and texture to any landscape. Growing in a naturalistic setting, this plant can tolerate wet soil and make an excellent choice for rain gardens. It is also deer-resistant and attracts birds. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, and the leaves have been used in traditional medicine to manage arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammations.
Growth conditions of Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum
Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum, commonly known as coastal doghobble or fetterbush, is a type of evergreen shrub that is typically found in the southeastern region of the United States. The plant grows to a height of 3-4 feet and requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Leucothoe axillaris var. editorum prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but excessive exposure to sunlight can cause leaf scorching and stunted growth. The plant can grow well under the dappled shade provided by tall trees or in areas that receive filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Coastal doghobble grows well in areas with a mild climate with temperatures ranging from 50-75 °F. It can tolerate slightly lower temperatures but is not frost-resistant. In areas with cold temperatures, it may require protection during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers acidic soil that is well-draining and has a high organic matter content. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Coastal doghobble is also sensitive to salt and should not be grown in areas with high levels of salt in the soil.
To promote healthy growth and flowering, it is recommended to supplement the soil with a slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, in the late winter or early spring.
Cultivation Methods for Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles
Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles is an evergreen shrub native to North America that is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil and partial to full shade. If you are planting the shrub, it is recommended to use a mix of peat moss and sphagnum moss to provide adequate drainage.
The plant can also be propagated through softwood cuttings during the summer months. It is essential to ensure that the cutting remains moist and that they receive indirect sunlight. Rooting hormone can also be used to help promote rooting.
Watering Needs for Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles
Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles requires consistent moisture, so watering is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to check the soil moisture level regularly, especially during periods of high heat. Frequent irrigation may be necessary to ensure that the soil stays moist. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization for Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles
It is recommended to fertilize Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles once a year during the spring season, using a slow-release, acidic fertilizer. The fertilizer should be spread evenly over the shrub's root zone, and it is crucial to avoid direct contact with the leaves and stems.
Pruning for Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles
Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles does not require regular pruning as it naturally maintains a uniform shape. However, if the shrub appears to be overgrown or unruly, it may benefit from some light pruning. It is recommended to prune the shrub during late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Be sure only to remove damaged or diseased branches and avoid pruning more than 1/3 of the shrub's overall growth to prevent damage.
Propagation of Leucothoe Axillaris
Leucothoe axillaris is a low-growing shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Leucothoe axillaris mature in the fall and can be sown immediately or stored until the following spring. Fresh seeds have a higher germination rate than those stored for over a year. Leucothoe axillaris seeds benefit from stratification (a cold period) before sowing. This can be done by storing seeds in a moist medium at a temperature between 32 and 41°F for a few months. Seeds can be sown indoors or outdoors at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inches.
Cuttings Propagation
Leucothoe axillaris is easily propagated from stem cuttings in early summer or late fall. Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer from the tips of new growth. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in fall from semi-hardened wood. Cuttings should be 3 to 4 inches long and stripped of leaves on the lower half. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted in a medium of vermiculite or perlite. Cuttings should be kept moist and have high humidity for best results.
Division Propagation
Leucothoe axillaris can also be propagated through division. This is best done in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall after leaves have dropped. The plant can be dug up and divided into several pieces, being sure to keep some roots on each division. The divisions should be planted in a well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish.
Disease and Pest Management for Leucothoe Axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. Editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles
Leucothoe axillaris (Lam.) D. Don var. editorum (Fern. & Schub.) Ahles, commonly known as Coastal Leucothoe, is a beautiful ornamental plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family. Like any other plant, it is also susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Coastal Leucothoe and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Phytophthora root rot: This is a common soil-borne disease that causes wilting and death of the foliage. To manage this, avoid planting the Coastal Leucothoe in poorly drained soil. Ensure proper drainage, and apply a fungicide if the disease has already infected the plant.
Leaf spots: Leaf spot diseases such as Entomosporium maculatum can cause brown spots on the leaves of the Coastal Leucothoe. To manage this, maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting the foliage during watering. Remove and destroy the infected leaves to reduce the spread of the disease.
Phytophthora ramorum: This disease causes sudden oak death and can also infect Coastal Leucothoe. Symptoms include leaf spots, shoot dieback, and cankers on the stems. To manage this, remove and destroy all infected plants, maintain proper sanitation, and use a fungicide.
Pests
Aphids: These are tiny insects that can infest the foliage of Coastal Leucothoe and cause yellowing and distortion of leaves. To manage this, remove the aphids by spraying water on the leaves or use an insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: These pests can cause discoloration and bronzing of leaves and can also spin webs around the foliage. To manage this, increase humidity around the plant or use insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies: These are small, white insects that can damage the leaves by sucking the plant sap. They can also spread diseases. To manage this, remove the infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based spray.
Regular inspections, proper sanitation, and timely control measures can help prevent diseases and pests from damaging the Coastal Leucothoe plant.
