How to Grow Leucothoe 'Scarletta'
Leucothoe 'Scarletta'
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Scarletta'
shrubLeucothoe 'Scarletta' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its striking foliage that emerges bright red and bronze before maturing to deep glossy green. It produces delicate, fragrant white bell-shaped flowers in spring and adapts well to shaded woodland gardens. This cultivar is more compact and colorful than the species, making it ideal for smaller landscapes.
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Example Leucothoe 'Scarletta' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Leucothoe 'Scarletta'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Leucothoe 'Scarletta'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, tolerates zones 4b-9a
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Establishment
First 6-8 weeksYoung plant transitioning to garden conditions with new growth emerging bright red to bronze
Water consistently 2-3 times weekly. Apply 2-3 inches of pine bark mulch. Avoid transplant shock by providing afternoon shade in first season. Do not fertilize initially.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through late summer (6+ months annually)Plant develops branching structure; foliage matures from red/bronze to deep green; new growth flushes remain colorful throughout season
Maintain consistent moisture. Prune in late winter to shape and encourage bushiness. Fertilize lightly in spring with acid-loving plant fertilizer if needed. Watch for scale insects.
Flowering
April-May (3-4 weeks)Clusters of small, drooping, bell-shaped white flowers with a honey-like fragrance appear along stems
Provide consistent moisture to support bloom production. Flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Do not deadhead unless flowers become untidy.
Fruit & Seed Development
June through fallSmall, dry capsular fruits develop following flowering; seeds mature and persist through fall
Continue regular watering through this period. Allow fruits to remain on plant for wildlife and ornamental interest.
Dormancy & Winter Foliage
November-MarchEvergreen foliage may take on deeper burgundy or bronze tones in cold winter; plant remains ornamental year-round
Reduce watering if temperatures drop significantly, but maintain some moisture. Provide wind protection in very cold zones. Prune dead/damaged branches in late winter before growth begins.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for brown bumps on stems. Use horticultural oil spray in late winter or early spring. Prune heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators.
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation by thinning branches. Avoid overhead watering. Use copper fungicide if severe.
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Mist foliage in dry conditions to increase humidity. Use insecticidal soap if populations become excessive.
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning. Apply neem oil or spinosad if damage is widespread.
Uses
Ornamental Landscape & Cut Arrangements
HouseholdLeucothoe 'Scarletta' is prized as a year-round foliage plant in shade gardens and woodland landscapes. Its colorful new growth and evergreen habit make it valuable in floral design, where cut stems add texture and deep color to arrangements. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Garden
WildlifeThe fragrant white flowers attract bees and butterflies in spring, while the persistent fruits and dense evergreen foliage provide shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects throughout the year. [source]
Shade Garden Design
CraftAs a foundational plant for woodland and shade gardens, 'Scarletta' provides year-round color contrast and structure, particularly valuable in combination with hostas, ferns, and other shade-tolerant underplantings. [source]
Container & Foundation Planting
HouseholdThe compact growth habit and colorful foliage make 'Scarletta' suitable for large container gardens and foundation plantings where a long-lived, low-maintenance evergreen shrub is desired. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub not typically harvested. Prune selectively in late winter (February-March) before new growth to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Cut stems can be used in fresh floral arrangements and maintain their color well.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The cultivar name 'Scarletta' refers to the brilliant scarlet-red color of emerging new foliage, which provides multiple flushes of color throughout the growing season, not just spring.
- 🌱 Leucothoe is named after the mythological figure Leucothoe, an ancient Greek woman who was transformed into a plant by Apollo.
- 🌱 The leaves contain compounds similar to those found in rhododendrons, and like many acid-loving plants, Leucothoe 'Scarletta' is a natural indicator of acidic soils where it thrives.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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