Jenkins Leucothoe

Jenkins Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Jenkins')

Jenkins Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Jenkins') is a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub prized for its dense, arching form and year-round foliage interest. This reliable selection of coastal doghobble offers glossy green leaves that remain attractive through all seasons, paired with delicate white spring flowers that add a subtle, refined touch. Its tolerance for shade and moisture makes it an ideal choice for challenging spots in the landscape.

Distinctive Features

'Jenkins' forms a dense, mounding shape with gracefully arching branches covered in lustrous dark green foliage. In spring, small, bell-shaped white flowers dangle from the stems in short clusters, providing soft seasonal contrast. Unlike some cultivars, 'Jenkins' is especially known for its uniform growth and full habit, typically reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it useful in mass plantings or as a tidy foundation shrub.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic, well-drained soil; thrives in organically rich conditions
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture, especially in summer
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Attractive evergreen foliage and arching shape add movement and elegance to shaded areas
• Foundation Planting: Works well beneath windows or shaded entries
• Woodland Gardens: Perfect under canopy trees alongside ferns and spring ephemerals
• Mass Planting: Effective groundcover or slope stabilizer in shaded conditions
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with azaleas, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells; avoid allowing the soil to dry completely
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a clean, compact form
• Fertilizing: Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Mulching: Helps retain soil moisture and improve soil health
• Pest Resistance: Resistant to deer and most pests

Why Choose Jenkins Leucothoe?

• Reliable Evergreen: Glossy green foliage looks fresh and full all year
• Shade Performer: Thrives in low-light areas where other plants struggle
• Refined Form: Dense, arching habit provides texture and structure
• Low Maintenance: Requires little pruning or intervention
• Focal Point: Subtle blooms and graceful foliage make it an elegant presence in shaded beds

Leucothoe axillaris 'Jenkins' is a dependable, shade-loving evergreen that brings structure, movement, and year-round interest to difficult garden areas. Its uniform habit and low-maintenance nature make it a smart and stylish solution for shaded borders and foundation plantings.