Leucothoe fontanesiana Little Flames

Leucothoe 'Little Flames' has been named so because of its small size and the shiny colour its foliage takes on in winter. This new variety, derived from an evergreen bush poetically nicknamed Pearl Flower, charms with its coppery colours in spring, its delicate white-cream flowering in May, and its tiny and dense silhouette that works wonders in a pot on the terrace or in borders. Hardy, this shrub will flourish in acidic and cool soils, in filtered light.

Leucothoe fontanesiana belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and rhododendrons, with which it shares a strong preference for acidic soils and shade. This modest-sized bush grows in the humid undergrowth of the southeastern states of the United States. 'Little Flames', from which it originates, has a very compact and dense bushy habit. It will reach 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 30 cm to 40 cm (11.8 in to 15.7 in) in width when fully grown. Its changing and beautifully coloured foliage is its main asset. It consists of long and tapering leaves with a pointed tip, that are 6 cm to 10 cm (2.4 in to 3.9 in) long, 2 cm to 3 cm (0.8 in to 1.2 in) wide. The young leaves are copper coloured and turn green when mature, creating a beautiful colour combination throughout the plant until the end of summer. In winter, the leaves blaze into life. This bush is also called Pearl Flower for its spring flowering, which appears at the end of the branches. It appears in clusters of 7 cm to 10 cm (2.8 in to 3.9 in), made up of white-cream, slightly scented bell-shaped flowers.

Leucothoe 'Little Flames' does not like limestone, drought, or heavy soils. Like camellias and rhododendrons, with which it forms beautiful associations, this plant appreciates humus-rich, loose, well-drained soils that remain cool even in summer. Its dense and evergreen habit is a perfect "trunk cover" that can be advantageously placed at the foot of light trees or shrubs, whose base is bare, and it forms a beautiful duo with nandinas. It works well with medium-sized perennials such as hellebores or ferns, and winter heathers (Erica darleyensis), in front of shrub beds composed of pernettyas, azaleas, or pieris, or even in isolation. It also grows well in pots, with shade and regular watering. Its presence will bring a very personal touch to a terrace or balcony.