Leucothoe fontanesiana......is there a problem?

Dear Gardeners,
Over on the Identification Forum I was helped to identify this rather attractive shrub growing in a friend's garden - it's Leucothoe fontanesiana (I think!). According to the RHS this plant tolerates shade, clay and poor drainage. It produces beautiful Pieris-like flowers in May and its foliage goes red in Autumn. All in all, an attractive, versatile shrub that will grow in conditions few others would tolerate. "Great!" I thought, "I'll have one." However, when I searched online I found very few Nurseries offer them......and come to think of it it's pretty rare in these parts (North West England). This makes me suspicious. Is there a problem with this plant that explains its lack of popularity, or is it merely 'out of fashion'?

I'll be grateful for the experience and insights of the very knowledgeable people hereabouts. Andy.

 

Hi not always some people prefer to grow popular plants and most nurseries only bother with popular plants cause why bother with a plant that might not sell ?
i found this Leucothoe fontanesiana is Commonly known as ‘Switch ivy dog hobble drooping laurel This evergreen shrub originates from mountainous regions of the south east USA. It has been grown in the UK since 1793 and, in one form or another, is a common sight in gardens as well as in municipal and supermarket plantings it also toxic to dogs

 

@Head Gardener's Dogsbody Being related to heathers it likes acid soil, which could be a problem; if you grow camellias, heathers or rhododendrons (or the neighbours do) then you should be okay.
Try small local nurseries and specialist plant sales. There is also the RHS Plantfinder, often found in charity shops. A local nursery might be able to source it for you.
However the RHS also mention the variety "Rainbow" Leucothoe fontanesiana &s;Rainbow&s; (v) | dog hobble &s;Rainbow&s; Shrubs/RHS Gardening bit gaudy for me, but if you and the boss like it then there are a number of suppliers listed, though none in the North West.

 

I tried planting some Leucothoe shrubs as I thought the leaves looked interesting but found they just failed to thrive and died in the garden here. I have camelia and rhododendron growing fine and think the soil would have suited them but have avoided getting any since they failed here in the past. Not sure why they did not succeed but my approach to gardening is just to avoid plants that can't settle and perform well and maybe that is why they are less popular in other areas as well. I think I have seen them a few times in the local garden centre since then so I didn't think they would be that difficult to source if you can try some more outlets.

Happy gardening!

 

Thanks to all of you for your replies. Andy.