ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe

ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Rejoyce')

ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe, Leucothoe axillaris 'Rejoyce', is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its colorful foliage that shifts through copper, red, and deep green tones as the seasons change. New leaves often emerge warm red or bronze, then mature to glossy green before picking up burgundy highlights in cool weather, so the plant always has something interesting to offer in shaded beds. Low, arching branches form a refined mound that tucks neatly into foundations, woodland borders, and containers, bringing four season color where flowers may be limited. With its graceful habit and vibrant foliage, ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe creates a subtle yet dependable focal point in partial shade.

Distinctive Features

ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, forming a dense, mounded shrub with gently arching stems. Narrow, lance shaped leaves are carried closely along the stems, giving the plant a fine textured, layered appearance that softens paths, walls, and bed edges. Foliage color is the main show, with red and copper tones strongest on fresh growth and richer burgundy shades developing as temperatures cool. The compact size and naturally cascading framework make this selection especially useful in smaller shaded spaces where you want evergreen structure without a heavy, bulky shrub.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers partial shade to bright shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light through the day for best foliage color and vigor.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter; avoid heavy clay, standing water, or strongly alkaline sites.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist during the first few seasons; once established, provide consistent moisture but do not allow the root zone to remain waterlogged.
• Hardiness: Well suited to many temperate regions where broadleaf evergreens are grown, especially in sites protected 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 foundation plantings.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland and Shade Borders: Pair with hostas, ferns, and heucheras to add evergreen structure and warm foliage color under trees and along shaded paths.
• Foundation Plantings: Tuck near porches, entries, and low windows where its compact form and changing foliage tones soften hard edges and provide four season interest.
• Slopes and Banks: Plant on shaded banks and gentle slopes where the arching habit can drape over contours and the fibrous root system helps hold soil.
• Path and Edge Accents: Use along shaded walkways and bed margins so its flowing stems can spill slightly, creating a soft transition between hardscape and planting areas.
• Containers and Courtyards: Grow in shaded or partially shaded containers on patios and covered porches to bring evergreen texture and color close to eye level.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer and the first few years, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between soakings while avoiding prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Requires little pruning; if shaping is needed, lightly thin or shorten stems after new growth has hardened, preserving the natural arching habit rather than shearing.
• Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a light feeding of an acid forming, slow release fertilizer or top dress with 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, provide some shelter from harsh winter winds and remove any winter damaged shoots in early spring to keep plants looking neat and vigorous.

Why Choose ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe?

• Colorful Multi Season Foliage: Copper, red, green, and burgundy tones provide year round interest in shaded beds where many plants stay plain green.
• Compact, Graceful Habit: Low, arching form fits easily into small gardens, foundation plantings, and containers without crowding nearby plants.
• Shade Friendly Evergreen: Delivers reliable structure and foliage color in partial shade and bright shade where flowering shrubs often struggle.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, needs only routine watering, light feeding, and occasional pruning to maintain a tidy, natural shape.
• Design Versatility: Works in woodland, naturalistic, and more formal plantings, pairing well with azaleas, hydrangeas, hollies, hostas, and ferns wherever you need a colorful evergreen accent in the shade.

With its compact arching habit, warm multi season foliage color, and dependable evergreen presence, ReJoyce Coast Leucothoe is an excellent choice for adding year round structure, subtle color, and a refined focal point to shaded borders, foundations, slopes, and containers.