Thread: Unknown Shrub
View Single Post
  #2   Report Post  
Old 24-03-2007, 01:32 PM posted to uk.rec.gardening
Dave Poole Dave Poole is offline
Registered User
 
First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Jan 2004
Location: Torquay S. Devon
Posts: 478
Default Unknown Shrub

Although the pic is a bit unclear, I'm 99% certain it is Leucothoe
axillaris 'Curly Red' - a failry recent introduction. As with all
Leucothoes, a humus rich, acidic soil is necessary to keep them happy
and the best colour (which appears in winter) is achieved if grown in
full sun, even though it is shade tolerant. It's a nice slowly
spreading, exceptionally hardy evergreen, growing to around 60 cms.
high and somewhat more across over a period of several years. The
ordinary species can grow to about 1.2m tall spreading to 2m. or more
so eventually it could develop into a medium sized shrub. Quite a
pleasant thing and very effective for winter colour.