Little Flames Leucothoe

Little Flames Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames')

Little Flames Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames') is a vibrant, compact evergreen shrub known for its bold red new growth and consistent color throughout the year. This standout cultivar offers exceptional ornamental value in shaded or partially shaded areas, making it a go-to choice for small gardens, foundation plantings, and woodland borders where color and texture are needed without overwhelming space.

Distinctive Features

'Little Flames' lives up to its name with fiery red new foliage that gradually matures to deep green, creating a dynamic contrast through the growing season. In cooler months, the entire plant can take on shades of burgundy and bronze, extending its seasonal interest into winter. Its neat, mounded habit typically stays under 2 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for tight spaces or container use. White, bell-shaped flowers bloom in spring, adding a subtle accent to the vivid foliage.

Growing Conditions

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

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Brilliant red new growth makes a bold statement in shady areas
• Foundation Planting: Excellent size for under windows or shaded entryways
• Mixed Shade Borders: Combines well with hellebores, ferns, and hostas
• Container Planting: A colorful option for shaded patios or balconies
• Mass Planting: Adds a low, colorful layer to woodland beds or slopes

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain even moisture, especially in summer heat
• Pruning: Minimal; prune after flowering if shaping is desired
• Fertilizing: Feed with an acid-loving fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Pest Resistance: Deer resistant and generally pest-free

Why Choose Little Flames Leucothoe?

• Dynamic Foliage Color: Vibrant red growth and rich winter tones add year-round interest
• Compact Size: Perfect for small gardens, borders, or containers
• Shade Adaptability: Thrives in low-light environments where color is often limited
• Evergreen Reliability: Holds structure and color through all seasons
• Focal Point: Colorful foliage and tidy form draw attention even in shaded corners

Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames' is a compact, colorful solution for shaded areas, offering multi-season foliage appeal in a space-saving form that�s easy to maintain and highly versatile in the landscape.

Little Flames Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames')

Little Flames Leucothoe (Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames') is a vibrant, compact evergreen shrub known for its bold red new growth and consistent color throughout the year. This standout cultivar offers exceptional ornamental value in shaded or partially shaded areas, making it a go-to choice for small gardens, foundation plantings, and woodland borders where color and texture are needed without overwhelming space.

Distinctive Features

'Little Flames' lives up to its name with fiery red new foliage that gradually matures to deep green, creating a dynamic contrast through the growing season. In cooler months, the entire plant can take on shades of burgundy and bronze, extending its seasonal interest into winter. Its neat, mounded habit typically stays under 2 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for tight spaces or container use. White, bell-shaped flowers bloom in spring, adding a subtle accent to the vivid foliage.

Growing Conditions

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

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Brilliant red new growth makes a bold statement in shady areas
• Foundation Planting: Excellent size for under windows or shaded entryways
• Mixed Shade Borders: Combines well with hellebores, ferns, and hostas
• Container Planting: A colorful option for shaded patios or balconies
• Mass Planting: Adds a low, colorful layer to woodland beds or slopes

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain even moisture, especially in summer heat
• Pruning: Minimal; prune after flowering if shaping is desired
• Fertilizing: Feed with an acid-loving fertilizer in spring
• Mulching: Helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds
• Pest Resistance: Deer resistant and generally pest-free

Why Choose Little Flames Leucothoe?

• Dynamic Foliage Color: Vibrant red growth and rich winter tones add year-round interest
• Compact Size: Perfect for small gardens, borders, or containers
• Shade Adaptability: Thrives in low-light environments where color is often limited
• Evergreen Reliability: Holds structure and color through all seasons
• Focal Point: Colorful foliage and tidy form draw attention even in shaded corners

Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames' is a compact, colorful solution for shaded areas, offering multi-season foliage appeal in a space-saving form that�s easy to maintain and highly versatile in the landscape.