Leucothoe fontanesiana Zebonard

The Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Zebonard' or Leucothe walteri 'Zebonard' is a variety bearing young, shiny, dark green and burgundy foliage in spring, which then turns green. It forms a small, evergreen, spreading bush, wider than it is tall. Despite having thinner leaves than the species type, it displays a very compact habit that is particularly suited for use as ground cover, enhancing shaded corners of the garden all year round with its lanceolate and decorative foliage. It flowers in spring in clusters of small white flowers with a light fragrance. Give it acidic, rich, fresh, light soil and a shaded location. 

The Leucothoe fontanesiana, nicknamed Pearl Flower is a bush from the  Ericaceae family that is used for its arched silhouette and its evergreen foliage with changing colours, beautiful all year round. It forms a sprawling and low clump, which can reach 1 to 2 m (3 ft 4 in to 6 ft 7 in) in all directions, or even more in width. It is native to the humid forests of the southeastern United States. It is a hardy species up to - 15 ºC. This Desfontaines' Leucothoe is found in cool undergrowth, fearing too dry and too exposed locations to wind and sun. It is a bush that thrives in humus-rich soils, remaining fresh and neutral rather acidic, without limestone. The variety 'Zebonard' also found under the name 'Lovita' has a very compact habit and does not exceed 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 inches) in height and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in width. From April to May, there appear short and pendulous clusters of small bell-shaped white flowers (typical of Ericaceae) that are 6 mm (0.2 in) long, slightly scented. They are born in the axil of the red petioles of the leaves, at the end of the branches and measure 7 to 15 cm (2.8 to 5.9 in) long. On reddish branches is positioned evergreen foliage composed of glossy, leathery, ovate-lanceolate leaves 6 to 12 cm (2.4 to 4.7 in) long and very acuminate. When young, it is dark green and burgundy before becoming green.

This spreading bush perfectly complements acidic soil flower beds, around a pond for example. In a Japanese garden, plant it with Japanese herbs, rhododendrons and azaleas. You can place it in a flower bed, in a low mixed hedge with other low bushes, in a rockery and even in a container to recreate scenes of colourful undergrowth! Consider pairing it with large ferns, goat's beards, foxgloves and carex. In a container, water it with rainwater, without limestone. The variety 'Zebonard' is perfect for forming a beautiful shrub border, along a shady wall or in groups around a clearing. Its shiny and colourful foliage brings variety and adds depth to shade gardens.