Highland doghobble facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Highland doghobble
A Leucothoe fontanesiana plant
Scientific classification
Genus:	Leucothoe (plant)
Species:	fontanesiana

Leucothoe fontanesiana, also known as highland doghobble or fetter-bush, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the family Ericaceae, which also includes heather and rhododendrons. This plant grows naturally in the southeastern United States.

It is an evergreen shrub, meaning it keeps its leaves all year round. The plant usually grows about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) tall. It can spread out to about 3 meters (10 feet) wide. Its leaves are shiny, like those of a laurel plant, and are about 6 to 16 centimeters (2 to 6 inches) long. In spring, it grows pretty, urn-shaped flowers that hang down in clusters.

Growing Conditions and Care

This plant likes to grow in shady spots. It needs soil that is acidic, which means the soil has a low pH level. It does not grow well in soil with a lot of calcium. This type of plant is called a calcifuge, which means "lime-fleeing."

One special type of Leucothoe fontanesiana is called 'Rollissonii'. A cultivar is a plant that has been specially grown by people for certain features. This 'Rollissonii' plant has won an important award called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it is a great plant for gardens.