What is Leucothoe?
Leucothoe is a genus of plants that is part of the Ericaceae family. It contains about 50 types of deciduous and evergreen shrubs that come from Asia, North America, South America and Madagascar. This genus has unique tubular flowers that are formed in clusters and pointed glossy leaves that change color throughout the season. Shrubs are commonly used as living fruits, screens or container plants. Normally there are problems with this family, are fungal disease and insect damage.
This genus is named after the Greek goddess Leucothea. The general name of this genus is Doghobble and most species are known for the variant of this name. For example, the leucothoe fontanesiana is called the Highland Doghobble, while the leucothoe axillaris is called a coastline flash. leucothoe racemosa is known as a swamp.
Most species are located in North America and Asia. l. Fontanesiana growing in the Eastern United States, from Virginia to TennesseE, while l. Davisiae fills East California and South Oregon. l. tonkinensis is distributed in southern China and northern Vietnam. The dense form consists of glossy, thin leaves that initially seem red and quickly become dark green. As the fall approaches, the leaves are red and purple before the fall. The branches are closed and are usually weighted with flowers on the tip.
flowers are small, pitcher or urn in the shape of a urn and hang upside down from the end of the branches. They develop in clusters that look like slim spikes and are usually white. The flower period is usually from May to June.
For this genus of plants, to do well, we are recommended to plant them in acidic soil, which is well drained. Clay, clay and sandy soil are sufficient media for this genus if the soil is changed by organic material. The area should be partially overshadowed or fully overshadowed,Because direct sunlight can cause leaves burns. The exception is created for extremely humid areas where the risk of leaves is higher in the shade.
The leaf spot is fungal diseases that results in brown or black spots on the leaves. Direct exposure to sunlight in wet areas can reduce the risk of leaf spot by maintaining the plant. Another way to reduce the risk of infection is to remove dead leaves and other residues of plants that could accommodate mold disputes during the winter.