Species coastal doghobble
Off-white flower with maroon-white petiole, brown stems green-brown leaves, yellow midrib, veins and blades.

coastal doghobble

Leucothoe axillaris

Coastal doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris) is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States. It is characterized by oak-like leathery leaves, ranging in color from bright green to deep red. Its clusters of small, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers bloom in the summer, attracting a variety of bees and other pollinators. It is a fast-growing, upright shrub with moderate water requirements and can thrive in both wet and dry conditions. Its long lateral branches make it a great choice for creating a natural boundary along property lines. With its striking foliage and evergreen beauty, coastal doghobble is an excellent choice for any wildlife-friendly landscaping project.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Cones:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Coastal doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris) should be watered deeply but infrequently. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil and let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Water in the morning or early evening to minimize the risk of fungal diseases due to nighttime moisture remaining on the foliage. During its active growing season ( spring and summer ) water at least once or twice a week. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to once every other week, but never completely omit watering.

sunlight

In its native region, coastal doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris) prefers moist soil and understory shade from conifers and hardwoods. In areas with significant summer warmth, it should receive dappled sunlight, from 4 to 6 hours of sun a day. It's best to provide gentle morning sunlight and avoid intense, direct afternoon sunlight as much as possible. It is also important to be mindful of water needs and provide ample irrigation to keep the soil moist and cool. In cooler regions, coastal doghobble can often tolerate full sun.

pruning

The coastal doghobble (Leucothoe axillaris) is best pruned in early spring, before growth begins. Pruning should be light and selective, to remove dead or diseased branches and to keep the plant's size and shape desired. Avoid removing more than 1-third of the plant when pruning. Sometimes it is also necessary to remove any crossing branches to ensure good air circulation throughout the canopy. Rejuvenation pruning may be necessary every 3 to 5 years by cutting back older branches to the ground to encourage young, vigorous growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Leucothoe axillaris typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Leucothoe axillaris typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map