Rollison's Leucothoe

Rollison's Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rollisonii')

Rollison's Leucothoe, Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rollisonii', is an evergreen shrub with gracefully arching stems and finely textured foliage that brings quiet structure and four season interest to shaded gardens. Narrow, glossy green leaves are carried densely along the stems, often taking on bronze or burgundy highlights in cool weather, so the plant never looks flat or dull. Naturally mounded and slightly cascading, Rollison's Leucothoe is ideal for softening slopes, paths, and foundations in partial shade while providing a subtle focal point where flowers may be limited.

Distinctive Features

Rollison's Leucothoe typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, forming a broad, low shrub with layering, arching branches. The narrow, lance shaped foliage creates a fine, elegant texture that contrasts nicely with bolder leaves from hostas and hydrangeas. In cooler months, leaves often deepen to reddish or bronze tones, adding another layer of seasonal color to the planting. Small, white, urn shaped flowers may appear in short clusters along the stems in late spring, adding a delicate floral accent tucked beneath the foliage. The combination of spreading habit, evergreen cover, and subtle color shifts makes this a dependable background or edging shrub for shaded spaces.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers partial shade to bright shade, such as morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled woodland light throughout the day.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter; avoid heavy, compacted, or strongly alkaline sites for best long term health.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist during the first few seasons; once established, it appreciates consistent moisture but should not sit in standing water.
• Hardiness: Well suited to many temperate regions where broadleaf evergreens are grown, especially in sheltered sites out of harsh, drying winter winds.
• Size: Forms a spreading mound about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity, depending on climate and care.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate grower that fills in steadily without overwhelming nearby plants or crowding narrow beds.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland and Shade Borders: Tuck along paths and under trees with ferns, hostas, and heucheras to build layered, evergreen structure in low light areas.
• Foundation Plantings: Use near porches, steps, and low windows where its flowing shape and glossy foliage soften hard lines and add year round interest.
• Slope and Bank Stabilization: Plant on shaded banks and gentle slopes where the spreading root system helps hold soil while the arching stems drape naturally over contours.
• Path and Edge Accents: Line shaded walkways, patio edges, and retaining walls to create a soft transition between hardscape and planting beds.
• Mixed Shrub and Perennial Beds: Combine with azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies, and shade perennials to build varied, multi season plantings in filtered light.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first few years, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between soakings while avoiding prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; if needed, lightly thin or shorten stems after flowering, keeping the natural arching habit rather than shearing into tight shapes.
• 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 locations, provide some shelter from harsh winter winds and remove any winter damaged stems in early spring to keep plants looking tidy and vigorous.

Why Choose Rollison's Leucothoe?

• Year Round Evergreen Cover: Glossy foliage and subtle color changes keep shaded beds attractive in every season.
• Graceful, Arching Habit: Low, drooping form softens foundations, paths, and slopes while blending naturally into woodland style plantings.
• Shade Friendly Structure: Performs reliably in partial shade and bright shade where many flowering shrubs struggle to thrive.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, needs only routine watering, light feeding, and occasional pruning to maintain a natural, refined shape.
• Design Versatility: Works in woodland, naturalistic, and more formal gardens, pairing well with hostas, ferns, hydrangeas, and hollies wherever you need an evergreen anchor and subtle focal point in the shade.

With its arching evergreen habit, fine textured foliage, and dependable performance in shade, Rollison's Leucothoe is an excellent choice for adding structure, quiet color, and a refined focal point to woodland borders, foundations, slopes, and shaded containers.