Burning Love Leucothoe

Burning Love Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Burning Love')

Burning Love Leucothoe, Leucothoe axillaris 'Burning Love', is a compact, shade tolerant evergreen shrub prized for its rich red new growth, glossy green summer foliage, and dramatic burgundy to red tones in cool weather. Arching branches form a low mound that spills gently over edges and slopes, providing year round color and texture in woodland borders, foundation plantings, and containers. With its changing foliage tones and naturally elegant shape, Burning Love Leucothoe adds depth, contrast, and a subtle focal point to shaded and partially shaded garden spaces.

Distinctive Features

Burning Love Leucothoe typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, forming a dense, mounded shrub with gracefully arching stems. New foliage emerges deep red to wine colored, then matures to a glossy dark green that holds well through the growing season before shifting toward red and burgundy again as temperatures cool. Narrow, lance shaped leaves create fine texture and a layered look, while the arching habit softens hard lines along paths, steps, and walls. The combination of compact size, multi season foliage color, and elegant form makes this variety especially useful in foundation plantings, woodland gardens, and shaded beds where flowers are limited but foliage interest is essential.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers partial shade to bright shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day for best foliage color and health.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter; avoid heavy, poorly drained locations and strongly alkaline soils.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially through the first growing season; once established, it appreciates consistent moisture but does not like to sit in standing water.
• Hardiness: Suitable for many temperate regions where broadleaf evergreens are grown, especially in sheltered sites that protect from drying winter winds.
• Size: Forms a compact mound about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide at maturity, depending on climate and growing conditions.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate grower that fills in steadily without overwhelming small beds or tight planting spaces.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland and Shade Borders: Tuck into shaded beds with hostas, ferns, and heucheras to bring evergreen structure and rich foliage color under trees and along property lines.
• Foundation Plantings: Use near porches, steps, and low windows where its compact form and changing foliage tones soften hard edges and add four season interest.
• Slope and Edge Plantings: Plant on gentle banks, along paths, or beside walls where the arching habit can spill gracefully and help knit the planting together.
• Containers and Courtyards: Grow in shaded or partially shaded containers to bring evergreen color, texture, and seasonal foliage change onto patios and entryways.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Combine with azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies, and other acid loving shrubs to build layered, year round structure in filtered light.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first few years; once established, maintain steady moisture without allowing soil to become soggy.
• Pruning: Little pruning is needed; if shaping is desired, lightly trim after new growth has hardened, cutting back long or wayward stems while preserving the natural arching habit.
• Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a light feeding of an acid forming, slow release fertilizer or a top dressing of compost to support healthy foliage and root growth.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of shredded bark or leaf mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature, and protect shallow roots, keeping mulch a few inches away from the stems.
• Seasonal Care: In colder or windy sites, shelter plants from harsh winter winds and avoid late season pruning that could encourage tender growth just before frost.

Why Choose Burning Love Leucothoe?

• Rich Multi Season Foliage: Red new growth, glossy green summer leaves, and burgundy cool season color provide interest long after many perennials have faded.
• Compact, Graceful Habit: Low, arching form fits easily into foundation plantings, woodland borders, and containers without crowding neighboring plants.
• Shade Friendly Structure: Brings form, color, and evergreen presence to partial shade and bright shade areas where flowers can be limited.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and routine care once established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
• Design Versatility: Works in woodland, naturalistic, and formal plantings alike, pairing well with hostas, ferns, azaleas, hydrangeas, and other shade loving companions wherever you need an evergreen anchor with bold foliage color.

With its compact arching habit, rich red and green foliage, and dependable evergreen presence, Burning Love Leucothoe is an excellent choice for adding four season color, structure, and a refined, low maintenance accent to shaded borders, foundations, and containers.