Agarista, or Florida Leucothoe, is a tall (8-12′), evergreen, shade-loving shrub, well suited to our hot and humid southern summers. It is found in coastal environments, in a few counties from NC to Florida, but it performs well in upland Piedmont clay-based soils. We have seen it planted under large, deciduous trees where it thrives with protection from the heat in summer, but with sunshine in winter. It can be a carefree, densely lush specimen with dark green, lustrous foliage, red-tinted new growth and a loose, arching habit. Alternatively, it can be maintained as a hedge as it responds so well to heavy pruning. In either case it produces lovely, honey-scented little white flowers in the spring which attract butterflies and bees.
NURSERY HOURS
Wednesday: 10-4, Thursday: 10-6, Friday – Saturday: 10-4, Sunday: 12-4
Agarista populifolia
Key Info
Scientific Name: Agarista populifolia (Lam.) W.S. Judd
Common Names: Florida Leucothoe, Florida Hobblebush, Coastal Leucothoe, Pipestem, Tall Fetterbush
Family Names: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Flower Color: White
Special Characteristics: Good for hedges, Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Shade tolerant, Flowers fragrant
Additional Info
Habit: A relaxed, multi-stemmed shrub with arching habit; can form colonies in moist areas
Height: 10-12'
Spread: 6-10'
Soil Conditions: Average to moist, acid, well drained.
Leaves: Glossy, leathery, simple, lanceolate (oval shaped with pointy tips), alternate, with new growth showing reddish; dense foliage
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Pendulous clusters of white, fragrant, urn-shaped flowers at the leaf axils.
Fruit: 1/4 inch dry fruits ripe in fall
Natural Distribution: Common along creeks and in swamps from South Carolina to Northern Florida
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9, possibly 6
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACW
Pollination: Bees & butterflies
Wildlife Connections: Fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies; evergreen, dense foliage provides winter cover.
Propagation: By seed; also cuttings in summer/fall are easy to root.