Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Girard's Rainbow'

Drooping Leucothoe

Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Girard’s Rainbow’ (Rainbow Leucothoe) is a striking evergreen shrub with a graceful, arching habit, featuring variegated foliage splashed with green, cream, pink, and bronze tones. New growth often emerges pink, maturing to a mix of colors, with additional reddish hues developing in cooler weather. Small, urn-shaped white flowers appear along the stems in spring, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Type: Shrub (Evergreen)
Mature Size: 3–5' W × 3–5' H
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Arching, spreading

Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, acidic soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid to late spring; short to moderate (2–3 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and foundation plantings. Its colorful foliage provides year-round interest, especially in shaded areas where it brightens the landscape. Works well as a specimen or in mass plantings.

Care:
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any winter-damaged stems. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Avoid alkaline soils and protect from harsh winter winds for best foliage color.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

3-5'

Width

3-5'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring, Mid Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Olive Drab, Pink, Red

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No