Paisley Pup Leucothoe

Paisley Pup Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Paisley Pup')

Paisley Pup Leucothoe, Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Paisley Pup', is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its striking variegated foliage in shades of cream, soft pink, and green on gently arching stems. Each leaf is patterned differently, so the plant reads like a living tapestry that changes through the seasons, with pink tones strongest on fresh growth and in cooler weather. Naturally low and mounded, Paisley Pup brightens shaded borders, foundations, and woodland paths while providing a subtle focal point in spots where flowers may be scarce but foliage interest is essential all year.

Distinctive Features

Paisley Pup Leucothoe typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a graceful, arching mound that slowly spreads to fill its space. Leaves are narrow, slightly wavy, and irregularly splashed with cream and soft green, often flushed with pink or rose at the tips and edges, especially on new growth. The variegation holds through the growing season and picks up warmer tones in cool weather, so the plant always has something interesting going on even when nearby perennials are dormant. The naturally layered, cascading habit softens hard edges along paths, steps, and walls and looks right at home in woodland style and naturalistic plantings.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers partial shade to bright shade; morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light all day brings out foliage color while protecting leaves from scorch.
• Soil: Thrives in moist, well drained, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter; avoid heavy clay, standing water, or strongly alkaline sites.
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the first few seasons; once established, the plant appreciates steady moisture but does not like to sit in soggy ground.
• Hardiness: Well suited to many temperate regions where broadleaf evergreens are grown, particularly in sheltered locations that reduce exposure to drying winter winds.
• Size: Forms a low, spreading mound about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide at maturity, depending on climate and growing conditions.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate grower that fills in steadily without overwhelming small beds or tight shaded spaces.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland and Shade Borders: Combine with hostas, ferns, heucheras, and other shade perennials to add evergreen structure and bright variegation under trees and along shaded paths.
• Foundation Plantings: Tuck near porches, steps, and low windows where its compact form and multi colored foliage soften hard edges and provide four season interest.
• Slope and Bank Plantings: Plant on gentle, shaded slopes where the arching habit can drape over contours and the root system helps hold soil in place.
• Path and Edge Accents: Use along shaded walkways, patio edges, and retaining walls so its flowing stems can spill slightly and create a soft transition between hardscape and planting areas.
• Containers and Courtyards: Grow in shaded or partially shaded containers on patios and covered porches to bring evergreen texture and colorful foliage close to eye level.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, especially in summer and the first few years, allowing the top of the soil to dry slightly between soakings while avoiding prolonged drought.
• Pruning: Needs very little pruning; if shaping or size control is desired, lightly thin or shorten stems after new growth has hardened, maintaining the natural arching habit rather than shearing.
• Fertilizing: In early spring, feed with a light application of an acid forming, slow release fertilizer or top dress with compost to support healthy roots and 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 sites, provide some shelter from harsh winter winds and remove any winter damaged shoots in early spring to keep plants looking clean and vigorous.

Why Choose Paisley Pup Leucothoe?

• Striking Variegated Foliage: Cream, pink, and green marbled leaves give four season color and pattern in shaded beds where many plants are plain green.
• Compact, Graceful Habit: Low, arching form fits easily into foundations, woodland borders, and containers without crowding nearby plants.
• Shade Friendly Evergreen: Provides reliable structure and year round interest in partial shade and bright shade where flowering shrubs can struggle.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, requires only routine watering, light feeding, and occasional pruning to maintain a tidy, natural shape.
• Design Versatility: Works in woodland, naturalistic, and more formal plantings, pairing well with azaleas, hydrangeas, hollies, hostas, and ferns wherever you need a colorful, evergreen focal point in the shade.

With its compact arching habit, painterly variegated foliage, and dependable evergreen presence, Paisley Pup Leucothoe is an excellent choice for adding color, structure, and a refined focal point to shaded borders, foundations, and containers.