Best in a semi-shaded location with acidic, moisture retentive soil. Prone to several fungal leaf spots so make sure the plant has good air circulation. Avoid too wet a location as that can lead to root rot. May experience some winter foliage damage (but that can be easily pruned off).

Can get to be a good sized shrub in time with a spreading, arching habit.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to a previous GW discussion

Gardengal,

Thank you so much for your informative and quick response. appreciate it!

I can tell you that if your soil is not acidic it will not be happy. I have tried repeatedly and simply cannot make them thrive. Same problem that I have with Pieris, Enkanthia, etc.

They are such great shrubs, though!

Sara

I have a mass planting of Coastal Leucothoe and know precisely why it is called Doghobble, it is virtually impossible for me to walk through. I have it planted in a difficult area and it is maintenance free. Snowmageddon had no effect on it. The foliage is clean.
Native range starts in SE Virginia at the northernmost extention of Great Dismal Swamp (I was there last June)
In the wild it is commonly found in peaty swamps and lowlands but does not require saturated soils.

If you can grow Jewelweed, you can grow Doghobble.
Parts of my planting are in the mud and Leucothoe loves it. Notice how clean the foliage is, this may be an exceptional clone, not sure. AAMOF I am hard pressed to distinguish between L. axillaris & A fontanesiana.
Here's another plus, my planting is adjacent to Camellia japonica which was completely stripped last winter due to deer. Not one leaf of Leucothoe or Illicium was touched by deer!
{{gwi:278124}}

Sam,

I have patches of jewelweed that I let grow. Good idea! Another change in plans.....LOL!