Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' (Dog Hobble)

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is a cultivar of highland doghobble, a small, native, slow-growing, evergreen shrub found through much of the mid-Atlantic. The 'Rainbow' cultivar is a real show-stopper, noted for its attractive variegated foliage in beautiful lush greens and creamy whites and yellows; in addition to its typical variegation, the 'Rainbow' cultivar's new growth comes in striking shades of pink and wine-red, and leaves are glossy, pointed, and remain showy year long.

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' has a mounding, compact, gracefully arching growth habit up to 4-5' tall and 5-6' wide and easily grown in part to full shade making this shrub highly desirable for a shade garden. In spring, drooping clusters of white flowers dangle underneath the stunning foliage, attracting a number of different pollinators. In the fall, cream white sections of foliage may take on a darker plum color as well; 'Rainbow' can be lightly pruned in late winter or early spring if it becomes a bit leggy, but is altogether a striking and low-maintenance garden addition.