Solved Is this a Pieris?

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by Head Gardener's Dogsbody, May 7, 2022.

  1. Head Gardener's Dogsbody

    Head Gardener's Dogsbody Gardener

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    Hello fellow gardeners. Today I saw this Pieris-like shrub in a friend's garden. Unfortunately, she doesn't know what it is! The flowers look for all the world like Pieris. The leaves also look Pieris-like. However, there are details that don't resemble any Pieris I've seen before. For a start, commonly occurring Pieris like 'Forest Flame' have their leaves arranged in a whorl or spiral. This shrub has them arranged alternately. Also, note the drooping habit of the plant, quite unlike thew upright habit of Pieris. Note also that although the leaf petioles are red, the leaves are uniformly green. This is quite unlike the distinctive redness of juvenile leaves on common piers. I'd appreciate any help identifying this beautiful shrub - I'd like it for my own garden! Thanks in advance for any help. Andy.

    Screenshot 2022-05-07 at 23.26.59.png


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  2. Perki

    Perki Total Gardener

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    Its a Leucothoe
     
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    • Head Gardener's Dogsbody

      Head Gardener's Dogsbody Gardener

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      Brilliant! Well done Perki and Thank You very much! You've given me the Genus - the best species match I've been able to make is Leucothoe fontanesiana. According to the RHS (Leucothoe fontanesiana | dog hobble Shrubs/RHS Gardening) it appears to prefer shade or partial shade, clay and poor drainage! It's a highly unusual plant that will tolerate that combination of conditions and be so pretty. Anyway, thanks once again Perki, Andy,
       
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