Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'
Rainbow Drooping Leucothoe
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Height
- 3 to 5 feet
- Width
- 3 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- White
- Foliage color
- Variegated with cream, green, pink, and bronze tones
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Partial to full shade
- Water
- Consistently moist soil
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional pruning to shape and remove damaged branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow' is a variegated evergreen shrub known for its colorful foliage that features shades of cream, pink, green, and bronze. The leaves emerge with a flush of pink and bronze tones, transitioning to green with creamy white marbling as they mature, and may develop reddish hues in colder weather. Small, urn-shaped white flowers bloom in mid to late spring, adding a subtle charm to the plant's vibrant foliage.
Native to the southeastern United States, this cultivar is derived from the species commonly found in wooded slopes and stream banks. 'Rainbow' is particularly valued for its unique foliage coloration, which provides visual interest throughout the year, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Shade Gardens · Borders · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells
Design tip
Use ‘Rainbow’ to brighten darker areas of the garden where solid green foliage can visually recede. Position it against deep green evergreens or other dark-leaved plants so its cream, pink, green, and bronze variegation creates contrast and helps define the planting throughout the year.
