The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.
Horticultural Hound: Dog Hobble
Leucothoe fontanesiana is an accepted name in the RHS Horticultural Database. Other accepted names include Dog Hobble, Drooping Laurel and Switch Ivy.
Dog hobble is a native of South Eastern America. It is a common shrub of streambanks in the Mountains, and has leathery evergreen leaves.
The arching stems can be so dense that they make traversing terrain difficult for dogs (as well as for humans), hence the name Dog hobble.
This southeastern United States native is a low-growing evergreen shrub with attractive flowers resembling lily-of-the-valley in spring. It usually reaches three to six feet in height and width.
Its spreading, arching branches droop with the weight of the pendulous fragrant clusters of creamy white flowers. The leaves are leathery and dark green, three to six inches long; the leaves often take on a bronzy to purplish color in fall and winter.
For horticulturalists, this shrub is a good choice for partial to full shade, though it will tolerate sun if mulched and protected from winds. It prefers moist, well-drained, organic soils and acidic growing conditions. If it gets too leggy, it can be cut back to the ground.
These shrubs can nicely hide the base of other shrubs that become leggy over time, especially rhododendrons. Both flowers and leaves are used in bouquets.
Awoof! Archie
Posted 30 May 07
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