Leucothoe axillaris Twisting Red - Dog hobble

The Leucothoe axillaris 'Twisting Red' or Leucothoe walteri 'Twisting Red' is a small, usually evergreen bush with a very contrasting foliage. It resembles the variety 'Curly Red' but has smaller, beautifully twisted and curled, even more colourful  leaves. Starting with a brilliant purple-red color when budding, they then turn into a deep shiny green. The entire bush turns purple from autumn until the first warm days of spring. This new plant prefers acidic soil and thrives in deep shade, but seems to tolerate sunlight in cool soil. It will attractively fill the shaded areas of your garden.

The Leucothoe axillaris belongs to the family of heathers, like heathers and pieris. This bush is native to the southeastern region of the United States, in particular North Carolina. 'Twisting Red' is a recent cultivar derived from this plant, selected for its compact habit and magnificent, very crisp, and remarkably colourful foliage.

When mature, the Leucothoe axillaris 'Twisting Red' has a spreading habit and can reach 30 to 50 cm (11.8 - 19.7 in) in height and 40 to 60 cm (15.7 - 23.6 in) in width. In spring, its new foliage is purple-red and curled, then it becomes dark green. The leaves are glossy, shiny, and measure 3-4 cm (1.2 - 1.6 in) in length. This variety produces discreet, small white flowers in April and May. During winter, its semi-evergreen foliage subtly dresses semi-shaded to shaded spaces by taking on a purple robe, bringing a touch of exoticism to the garden.

A hardy bush, the 'Twisting Red' Leucothoe likes acidic, moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. During reasonably mild winters, this small evergreen plant is a perfect 'trunk concealer' that can be strategically placed at the base of trees or bushes with naked trunks. It can be paired with medium-sized perennials such as hellebores or ferns, winter heathers (Erica darleyensis), in front of a mass of compound bushes comprising pernettyas, azaleas, symphorines, or pieris, or even grown alone. It also grows very well in shaded pots watered regularly. Its presence will bring a very personal touch to terraces or balconies.