Leucothoe grayana

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Leucothoe grayana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Moist ground

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Antipruritic.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Other

Rating: 2

A parasiticide is obtained from the plant (No details are given as to which part). It is also used in the treatment of itch and ringworm.

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

How it is grown

Requires a lime-free well-drained humus-rich soil and some shade. Requires a moist peaty soil or a sandy loam with added leafmold. Plants are tolerant of transplanting, which is best carried out in the autumn. The flowers are produced on the current years growth. A number of named forms have been developed in Japan for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter in a shady part of the greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination is variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, August in a frame. Fair to good percentage. Layering in autumn. Takes 12 months. Very high percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The fruit is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. chlorantha. Gray. non DC. Eubotryoides grayana.