Leucothoe 'Curly Red', often also called Fetterbush or Doghobble, is a fascinating ornamental plant that brings color and structure to your garden or balcony all year round. With its unique, curled leaves, this compact shrub adds a vibrant touch to any environment. A fascinating feature of this plant is its spectacular color change throughout the seasons: new growth shines in a bright red, turns into a rich green in summer, and takes on an intense, burgundy-red color again in autumn and winter. The wavy, highly textured leaves provide a beautiful contrast to other plants. Its compact growth makes it a perfect companion for almost any arrangement.
Typical characteristics:
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unique, decorative leaves with a highly curled shape
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spectacular color change depending on the season
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winter hardy and evergreen
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provides bright color accents, especially in the often gray winter
☀️ Location, soil and more.
The Leucothoe likes it a bit more sheltered and not too bright. The right location is crucial for it to thrive magnificently and fully display its vibrant colors.
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location semi-shady to shady
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no harsh midday sun (leaves can burn)
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prefers sheltered locations
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Perfect for bog beds, shady front gardens or autumn planters on balconies and terraces.
🌿 Care of Leucothoe Curly Red – Overview
This plant is not only a feast for the eyes but also easy to care for if a few needs are met (especially when choosing the soil). It is suitable for both beginner gardeners and experienced plant lovers.
🌱 Growth
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compact, bushy and stocky
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grows rather slowly (reaches approx. 40 to 60 cm in height and width)
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can be excellently kept in pots or as underplanting
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contributes to a structured, lively appearance all year round.
🍃 Leaves
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distinctively wavy, curled and slightly glossy
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new shoots bright red, vibrant green in summer
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autumn and winter coloring in deep dark red to violet
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The fascinating play of colors of the leaves is a spectacle in itself.
💧 Watering / Water
Unlike many Mediterranean shrubs, Leucothoe likes it consistently moist, but not wet.
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always keep the soil slightly moist
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absolutely avoid dry root balls
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preferably water with low-lime water (rainwater)
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however, waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.
🌼 Fertilizing
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in spring (March/April): fertilize once with rhododendron fertilizer or horn meal
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for potted plants: occasionally use liquid fertilizer for ericaceous plants from spring to summer
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stop fertilizing completely in late summer and winter
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Avoid over-fertilization, as the fine roots react sensitively.
🌱 Substrate
An acidic soil climate is extremely important for the Fetterbush:
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humus-rich and loose
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well-draining
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acidic (low pH value)
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Special rhododendron soil or ericaceous compost works perfectly.
🪴 Repotting
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for potted plants every 2 to 3 years in spring
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Fetterbushes are shallow-rooted, so repot carefully and prefer shallower, wider containers.
✂️ Pruning
Leucothoe Curly Red does not require regular pruning.
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remove dried or frozen shoots in early spring
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overly long shoots can be lightly trimmed after winter to keep the growth compact
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use clean tools.
🌱 Propagating Leucothoe Curly Red
Propagation requires a little patience but is possible through cuttings:
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cut semi-ripe cuttings (shoot tips) in late summer
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remove lower leaves and place in acidic potting soil
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keep the soil moist and ensure high humidity (e.g., under a film) until they root.
☠️ Is Leucothoe poisonous?
Yes – Leucothoe Curly Red belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae) and is poisonous.
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poisonous to humans (especially children)
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poisonous to cats and dogs
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poisonous to small animals and horses 👉 You should therefore place or plant it in a location where your furry friends or small children cannot nibble on its leaves unsupervised.
🧠 Other care tips
Fetterbushes love lime-free conditions: If the tap water is too hard, the leaves can turn yellow (so-called leaf chlorosis). If possible, always collect rainwater for watering. A layer of mulch (e.g., bark mulch) helps to retain moisture in the soil outdoors and ensures the desired slightly acidic pH value. Although the plant is quite winter-hardy, if it is in a pot, you should wrap the pot with fleece or bubble wrap during severe frost so that the root ball does not freeze completely.
✅ Conclusion
With its spectacular color change and curled structure, Leucothoe Curly Red is an excellent choice. It is very easy to care for with the right soil, suitable for various locations such as shady garden beds or balcony pots, and creates a beautiful, lively atmosphere outdoors. Let this fascinating plant beautify your garden or balcony!