1 / 3

Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Rainbow'

Rainbow Drooping Leucothoe

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.

Light

Partial to full shade

Water

Consistently moist soil

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)