Description

Leucothoe Burning Love is a refined, compact selection prized for its dramatic foliage color. New leaves flush bright crimson to ruby in spring, maturing to glossy deep green through summer before shifting to rich claret and burgundy in colder months. Small, urn-shaped white flowers appear in spring and subtly perfume the shade garden while providing early nectar for bees. Dense, arching stems and evergreen, leathery leaves make this a superb textural foil for ferns, hostas, and other acid-loving companions.

Suggested Uses

• Woodland & shade borders
• Foundation plantings
• Year-round foliage color
• Patio & courtyard containers
• Understory planting beneath trees
• Mixed shrub beds (acid soils)
• Path & entry edging
• Small-space gardens

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Leucothoe ‘Burning Love’ (likely L. keiskei selection)

Common Name

Leucothoe Burning Love

Size & Growth

Compact mounded shrub, typically 2–3 ft tall and 2–3.5 ft wide; slow to moderate growth.

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zones 6–9 (shelter from harsh winter wind in colder areas).

Foliage Type

Evergreen; leathery, lanceolate leaves—red spring flush, glossy green summer, burgundy in fall/winter.

Bloom Time

Spring (typically April–May); small white, urn-shaped flowers.

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate; forms a dense, low-maintenance mound with time.

Light Requirements

Partial shade to full shade; morning sun is fine, avoid hot afternoon sun especially in warmer zones.

Attracts Pollinators

Yes — spring flowers provide nectar for bees and early pollinators.

Indoor Friendly

Not recommended as a houseplant; best in outdoor shaded sites with good airflow.

Container Friendly

Excellent for containers in shade; use acidic, well-drained mix and consistent moisture.

Deer Resistant

Generally deer-resistant to deer-tolerant; browsing is uncommon but possible when food is scarce.

Pet Warning

Toxic if ingested (grayanotoxins). Keep away from pets and livestock; do not allow chewing on foliage.

Fragrant

Lightly fragrant in bloom; fragrance is subtle and sweet.

Cut Flower

Not commonly grown for cut flowers, but foliage is excellent in floral and holiday arrangements.

Grows Well With

Ferns, Hosta, Heuchera, Hellebores, Pieris, Azaleas/Rhododendrons, Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa), and Hydrangea serrata.

Note: Attribute ranges and performance may vary with local climate and soil conditions; provide acidic, well-drained soil for best color.

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Plant in spring or early fall. Site in dappled to full shade, sheltered from drying winds. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball; loosen roots, set crown level with surrounding soil, backfill with 50–70% native soil blended with leaf mold or compost, and water thoroughly.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist but never waterlogged. Mulch 2–3 in with pine needles or shredded bark to conserve moisture and cool roots. Avoid drought during the first 2 growing seasons.

Soil Type

Acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil; ideal pH 4.5–6.0. Avoid heavy clay without amendment and avoid alkaline soils to prevent chlorosis.

Humidity

Tolerates normal outdoor humidity; prefers cool, consistent moisture around roots. In hot-summer climates, provide afternoon shade and deep, infrequent watering.

Pruning Instructions

Minimal pruning required. After spring bloom, lightly thin to maintain shape and remove dead, damaged, or crossing wood. Avoid hard pruning into old wood.

Winter Care

Apply winter mulch over the root zone after soil cools. In exposed sites (Zone 6), provide windbreak fabric to prevent leaf scorch. Ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot in cold, wet periods.

Planting Depth

Set at the same depth as in the nursery pot; do not bury the crown. Space plants 24–36 in apart to allow airflow and mature spread.

Fertilization

Feed lightly in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving evergreens (e.g., 3-4 month formulation). Avoid over-fertilizing; excess salts can burn roots and reduce foliage color.

Special Care

Water with rainwater where tap water is alkaline. Watch for lacebug or leaf spot in heat or stress—improve airflow and avoid overhead watering. If leaves yellow in high pH soils, top-dress with elemental sulfur and organic matter to re-acidify.

Tip: Color intensity is strongest with cool nights, bright but indirect light, and consistently acidic soil.