- Botanical name: Leucothoe keiskei 'Royal Ruby'
- Common name: Leucothoe
- Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub, Evergreen
White
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive to wildlife
- Autumn colour
- Dramatic foliage
The genus Leucothoe contains over 50 species, all of which are evergreen or deciduous shrubs. Like Pieris, heathers and rhododendrons, they’re ericaceous plants that enjoy growing in acid soils. Leucothoes tend to grow best in a position that is partially shaded.
Leucothoe keiskei ‘Royal Ruby’ is an evergreen, low-growing cultivar, primarily grown for its glossy foliage, which ranges from green to rich ruby-red. The colour is enhanced by cold weather, so it’s ideal for providing winter interest in the garden. In spring, clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers are produced.
For best results, grow Leucothoe keiskei ‘Royal Ruby’ in full sun or partial shade, in a moist but well-drained, acidic soil. Mulch annually with well-rotted pine needles – be extra generous if growing in full sun to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out.
How to grow Leucothoe 'Royal Ruby'
-
Plant size
60cm height
1.2m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, south facing, east facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Front
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full shade, full sun, partial shade
- Shade type: Damp
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Acidic / clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
- Plant care: Needs regular watering in pots
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do not Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do Plant in October |
N
Do Plant in November |
D
Do Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do not Take cuttings in March |
A
Do not Take cuttings in April |
M
Do not Take cuttings in May |
J
Do Take cuttings in June |
J
Do Take cuttings in July |
A
Do not Take cuttings in August |
S
Do not Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do Take cuttings in November |
D
Do Take cuttings in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do not Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do Prune in March |
A
Do Prune in April |
M
Do Prune in May |
J
Do not Prune in June |
J
Do not Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do not Prune in September |
O
Do not Prune in October |
N
Do not Prune in November |
D
Do not Prune in December |
Leucothoe 'Royal Ruby' and wildlife
Leucothoe 'Royal Ruby' is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Leucothoe 'Royal Ruby' poisonous?
Leucothoe 'Royal Ruby' can be toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to Livestock
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
Plants that go well with Leucothoe 'Royal Ruby'
