Florida leucothoe (Agarista populifolia), also known as Florida hobblebush or doghobble, is an attractive, evergreen shrub, native from southeastern North Carolina south to Florida and west to Mobile, Alabama. It is hardy in USDA zones 7a to 9b. This large multi-stemmed shrub has arching branches that bear clusters of fragrant, white flowers along the undersides of its branches.
Mature Height/Spread
Expect a mature height of 8 to 12 feet and a width of 5 to 6 feet, although over time it may grow higher than 15 feet. Florida leucothoe may also grow wider over time with the emergence of suckers or vigorous shoots that emerge from laterally growing roots some distance away from the crown or base of the original plant.
Florida leucothoe used as an evergreen screen in the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Gainesville, GA.
Robert F. Polomski, ©2020, Clemson University
Florida leucothoe used as an accent plant at the edge of a naturalized area on the Clemson University campus.
Robert F. Polomski, ©2020, Clemson University
Reddish-colored newly expanded leaves provide additional ornamental interest to Florida leucothoe.
Robert F. Polomski, ©2020, Clemson University
Younger leaves (bottom) are a lighter green than the mature leaves (top).
Robert F. Polomski, ©2020, Clemson University
From May to June, clusters (racemes) of cream-white urn-shaped flowers hang from the undersides of the previous season’s shoots in early June in Clemson, SC.
Robert F. Polomski, ©2020, Clemson University
Ornamental Features
Florida leucothoe possesses a fountainlike habit with arching stems and leaves that emerge reddish-bronze, turn to light green, and then mature to glossy dark green. The alternately arranged, lance-shaped leaves look menacing, but they are actually soft to the touch.
In South Carolina, fragrant, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers open from May to June on the undersides of last year’s branches. The flowers mature into capsules that ripen to brown before shedding their seeds.
Landscape Use
In the wild, Florida leucothoe colonizes moist to wet areas in forests, along streambanks, and hummocks in swamps; it even tolerates seasonal flooding. In the landscape, use Florida leucothoe as an accent plant, in an evergreen screen, or moist, woodland settings. It prefers a moist shaded to a partially shaded location and acidic soil amended with organic matter. Morning sun and afternoon shade are acceptable as well. When planted in full sun, supplemental watering may be necessary to avoid drought stress.
The spreading, suckering nature of Florida leucothoe makes it useful for stream bank restoration. However, if you want to curb its outward spread, periodically remove the wayward suckers at the soil level. To encourage the production of young, flower-bearing shoots, and to maintain a handsome open habit, periodically remove a few of the oldest stems at the base of the crown. Refer to HGIC 1053, Pruning Shrubs, for information about this rejuvenating pruning technique.
Problems
Florida leucothoe has no serious insect pest or disease problems and is deer-resistant. Warning: Leaves contain andromedotoxin, a volatile resin that deters herbivory; it can be fatal when ingested.
Cultivar
‘Taylor’s Treasure’ PP13,347 [Leprechaun™]: This cultivar has a dense, compact growth habit, grows 3 to 5 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide, and has leaves that are smaller and narrower than the species. Young, new leaves are glossy reddish-bronze with wavy or undulating margins. The foliage becomes nearly flat at maturity. Comparable features to the species. As the foliage expands, leaves become nearly flat. ‘Taylor’s Treasure’ originated as an open-pollinated seedling in Semmes, AL.
Flowering ‘Taylor’s Treasure’ Florida leucothoe in mid-May at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Mark Weathington, ©2020, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Closeup of the fragrant, bell-shaped (urceolate) flowers at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Mark Weathington, ©2020, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
References:
- Dirr, M. A. 2011. Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees & Shrubs. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
- Dirr, M. A. 2009. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. 6th ed. Stipes Pub., Champaign, IL.
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Agarista populifolia. 09 Dec 2019 https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/agarista-populifolia/
- Mellichamp, L. 2014. Native plants of the Southeast. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
