Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’

Description

Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dramatic foliage colour and year-round appeal. Its fiery crimson new leaves mature to green before transitioning into a vibrant scarlet in autumn. This planting and aftercare guide will help you get the most out of your Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’, ensuring long-lasting beauty and strong, healthy growth.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ is in spring, allowing the roots to settle into the soil and grow steadily throughout the warmer months.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn is another excellent option. The mild temperatures support root development, giving your Leucothoe a solid foundation before the colder season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler locations. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, so dappled light is ideal.
• Soil: For best results, plant Leucothoe in moist, well-drained acidic soil. It does not perform well in chalky or alkaline soils, so consider adding ericaceous compost to the planting area.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s root ball and the same depth.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix ericaceous compost into the excavated soil to lower the pH and enhance drainage.
3. Planting: Gently place Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill and firm down the soil around the plant.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season.

Watering Requirements

• During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ dislikes dry or overly wet conditions.
• In winter, reduce watering but ensure the soil does not dry out completely.

Feeding

• Apply a slow-release ericaceous fertiliser in spring to support healthy foliage and root development.
• Avoid high-phosphorus feeds, as Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ prefers fertilisers formulated for acid-loving plants.

Pruning

• Minimal pruning is required. In late spring, remove any dead, damaged, or straggly branches to maintain shape.
• Light pruning will encourage bushier growth and highlight the vibrant new foliage that Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ is known for.

Mulching

• Apply a layer of acidic mulch such as pine needles or bark chips around the base in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil.
• Refresh the mulch layer annually to maintain optimal growing conditions for Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’.

Container Growing

• Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ is ideal for pots due to its compact size. Use ericaceous compost and ensure good drainage. Water and feed regularly to keep it thriving.

Final Tips

Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ offers year-round interest, making it a great choice for garden borders, shaded beds, or containers. By providing the right soil, consistent care, and thoughtful placement, Leucothoe will reward you with stunning seasonal colour shifts and dependable evergreen structure. With proper attention, Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’ will continue to flourish and bring fiery beauty to your outdoor space season after season.