Scarletta Leucothoe

Scarletta Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Zeblid')

Scarletta Leucothoe, Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Zeblid', is a compact, shade loving evergreen shrub grown for its dramatic foliage that shifts from rich red and bronze tones in spring to deep glossy green in summer and intense burgundy in fall and winter. Gracefully arching stems carry narrow, leathery leaves that form a low, layered mound, softening paths, walls, and foundations in dappled light. In late spring, small white bell shaped flowers may appear along the stems, adding a subtle floral accent beneath the colorful foliage canopy. With its four season color and naturally elegant habit, Scarletta Leucothoe brings depth, contrast, and a quiet focal point to shaded borders and woodland inspired plantings.

Distinctive Features

Scarletta Leucothoe typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, forming a broad, low shrub with gently arching branches. New growth emerges vibrant red to copper, flushing the plant with warm tones before maturing to glossy dark green through the growing season. As temperatures cool, foliage deepens to burgundy and purple shades, providing strong off season color when many perennials are dormant. Narrow, lance shaped leaves are held closely along the stems, creating fine texture and a layered, cascading outline that looks at home in woodland, naturalistic, and more formal designs. The combination of spreading habit, evergreen cover, and multi season foliage color makes this selection especially useful as a background or edging shrub in shade.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers partial shade to bright shade, such as morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled woodland light throughout the day for best foliage color and vigor.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter and performs best when planted away from heavy clay, standing water, or strongly alkaline sites.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist during the establishment period; once rooted in, provide consistent moisture, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between deep waterings but never baking completely dry for long stretches.
• Hardiness: Well suited to many temperate regions where broadleaf evergreens are grown, especially when placed in sites protected from harsh, drying winter winds.
• Size: Forms a low, spreading mound about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity, depending on climate and growing conditions.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate grower that knits in steadily without overwhelming nearby plants or narrow shaded beds.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland and Shade Borders: Tuck along shaded paths and under trees with hostas, ferns, and heucheras to create layered evergreen structure in low light areas.
• Foundation Plantings: Use near porches, steps, and low windows where its arching habit and changing foliage color soften hard lines and add four season interest.
• Slope and Bank Stabilization: Plant on gentle, shaded banks where the fibrous root system helps hold soil while 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.
• Containers and Courtyards: Grow in shaded or partially shaded containers on patios and covered porches to bring evergreen texture and foliage color closer to eye level.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry periods, especially in the first few years, maintaining steady moisture without allowing the root zone to stay waterlogged for long periods.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; if shaping is needed, lightly thin or shorten stems after flowering, preserving the natural arching habit rather than shearing into tight forms.
• Fertilizing: In early spring, apply a light feeding of an acid forming, slow release fertilizer or top dress with compost to support healthy roots and strong foliage color.
• 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 the shrub looking tidy and vigorous.

Why Choose Scarletta Leucothoe?

• Four Season Foliage Color: Red bronze new growth, glossy green summer leaves, and rich burgundy cool season tones keep shaded beds visually interesting all year.
• Graceful, Arching Habit: Low, drooping form softens foundations, paths, and slopes while blending naturally into woodland style plantings.
• Shade Friendly Evergreen: Provides reliable structure and foliage interest in partial shade and bright shade where many flowering shrubs struggle.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, needs only routine watering, light feeding, and occasional pruning to maintain a clean, natural shape.
• Versatile Focal Point: Works in woodland, naturalistic, and more formal gardens, serving as an evergreen anchor and subtle focal point or even a small scale focal point in shaded borders and foundation plantings.

With its arching evergreen habit, rich multi season foliage, and dependable performance in shade, Scarletta Leucothoe is an excellent choice for adding year round color, structure, and a refined focal point to woodland borders, foundations, slopes, and shaded containers.