Leucothoe fontanesiana Whitewater

Leucothoe fontanesiana Whitewater is a bush for ornamental purposes, semi-evergreen, and will transport you with each change of season through its foliage, branches, and flowering in multiple colours.

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Whitewater' has an upright and dense habit. It will reach 1.20m (3ft 11in) in height and 1m (3ft 4in) in width when fully grown. In summer, its evergreen leaves, dark green with cream-white margins, are slender and end in a point. During winter, its leaves take on a purple hue and in spring, new leaves emerge under a bronze-coloured dress. This variety will also charm you with its contrasting purple branches in summer against its relatively light foliage.

This hardy bush is also called pearl flower for its spring flowering at the end of the branch. It is clustered in 7 to 15cm (2.8 to 5.9in) clusters, consisting of slightly fragrant bell-shaped flowers.

Hardy and preferring acidic, moist, humus-bearing, and well-drained soils, this bush thrives when planted in partial shade or shade, brightening up the darker areas of your garden. Very pleasant when combined with perennials, it can also be planted alone or in containers.