Paeonia viridis

Lucky Leu leucothoe is a brand-new cultivar of a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the southeastern US. It carries these elegant lance-shaped evergreen leaves on arching stems — so pretty. The new foliage pops out in a warm peachy orange before maturing to a rich green. And then in spring, you get these sweet little white flowers as a bonus. Honestly, Lucky Leu is a true four-season plant.

Commonly called: Lucky Leu leucothoe, or Lucky Leu doghobble (fun name, right?)

Botanical name: Leucothoe axillaris 'Bailcothoe'

Exposure: Full sun to part shade (more on that in "How to grow it" below)

In spring, you'll see these charming down-hanging clusters of bell-shaped white flowers peeking out from where the leaves meet the stems. If you're familiar with heathers (Erica) or Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica), leucothoe flowers look a lot like those — they're all in the same plant family.

The evergreen leaves are long and slender with a glossy green once they're mature. But when they first emerge in spring? Lucky Leu shows off these vivid salmon tones that are just stunning.

Lucky Leu has this lovely fountain-like shape, growing three to five feet tall and wide — it's got real presence.

The species Leucothoe axillaris grows naturally along the US coastal plain from southern Virginia down to northern Florida, typically in damp woodlands. Lucky Leu was introduced by First Editions Shrubs & Trees in 2024 — a fresh new pick!

When choosing a spot for Lucky Leu, think about where its species naturally thrives: those damp Southeastern woods. So it makes sense that this relative of blueberries and azaleas loves acidic soil, part shade, and consistent moisture. That said, leucothoes can handle full sun as long as you keep them well watered. Lucky Leu has a naturally compact size and great architecture, but if you do need to prune, wait until after the spring flowers fade. Hardy in USDA Zones 6–9.

Image courtesy of First Editions Shrubs & Trees