Burning Love Leucothoe

Burning Love Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Burning Love')

Burning Love Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Burning Love') is a compact, evergreen shrub admired for its rich foliage color and graceful arching habit. A refined cultivar of coastal doghobble, this selection provides year-round interest with vibrant red new growth, deep burgundy winter color, and glossy green leaves through the growing season. It�s an excellent choice for shaded borders, foundation plantings, or mixed woodland gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Burning Love' stands out for its dramatic foliage transitions. New leaves emerge a fiery red before maturing to deep green, while cooler temperatures bring on vivid purple-red winter tones. Small, white, urn-shaped flowers bloom in spring and subtly accent the foliage. Its tidy, mounded habit typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a versatile option for smaller spaces or mass plantings in shade.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soil; prefers rich organic content
• Water: Moderate; requires consistent moisture, especially in warmer zones
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Vibrant foliage color and form make it an eye-catching accent in shady beds
• Foundation Planting: Provides year-round interest near shaded building edges
• Woodland Gardens: Naturalistic habit fits beautifully among ferns and native perennials
• Mixed Evergreen Borders: Offers color contrast and texture with other shade shrubs
• Mass Planting: Low-growing form works well in shaded slopes or underplantings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture; do not allow to fully dry out
• Pruning: Minimal; prune lightly after flowering if shaping is needed
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, acid-loving fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and improve soil quality
• Pest Resistance: Generally pest-free and resistant to deer browsing

Why Choose Burning Love Leucothoe?

• Bold Foliage Color: Striking red, green, and burgundy tones offer four-season beauty
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives in low-light areas where color is often lacking
• Compact Form: Perfect for small spaces, borders, or underplanting
• Evergreen Interest: Maintains structure and color year-round
• Focal Point: Colorful foliage and elegant shape create visual drama in shaded gardens

Leucothoe axillaris 'Burning Love' brings vivid foliage and easy-going charm to shaded spaces, delivering color, structure, and seasonal interest in a compact, versatile form perfect for modern landscapes.