Leucothoe axillaris Curly Gold

The Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Gold' is a small bush that stands out for its compact and dense habit, and especially for its original foliage, both for its twisted texture and its changing colours. Firstly orange-red at budding, its leaves turn to golden yellow then to acid green, creating a multicolour adornment on the plant. It will persist more or less in winter depending on the climate. This acid soil plant shows a preference for dappled light and thrives in deep shade, but seems to tolerate sun in moist soil. It will love the shaded areas of your garden.

The Leucothoe 'Curly Gold' ( also called 'Opstal 55') belongs to the Ericaceae family, like heathers and pieris. It was very recently selected in the Netherlands. The botanical species from which it originates is a bush native to the southeast of the United States, particularly North Carolina. 'Curly Gold' is characterised by a compact habit and surprising foliage, almost bloated in appearance and remarkably coloured.

At adult age, the Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Gold' has a very dense bushy habit and can reach 60 cm (23.6 in) in height for 40-50 cm (15.7-19.7 in) in span.  In spring, its new foliage is orange-red, curled, then it becomes yellow and green. The leaves are glossy, shiny and measure 3-4 cm in length. This variety will present a discreet flowering, during the months of April and May, in the form of small white bell-shaped flowers. During the winter, its semi-evergreen foliage will bring colour to semi-shaded, or even shaded spaces, bringing a Japanese touch to the garden

A hardy bush, the Leucothoe 'Curly Gold' likes acidic, fresh, humus-rich and well-drained soils. This small evergreen bush, in not too harsh winters, is a perfect 'trunk concealer' that will be advantageously placed at the foot of trees or bushes whose base is naked. It can be associated with medium-sized perennials like hellebores or ferns, winter heathers (Erica darleyensis), in front of a bush grouping composed of azaleas, snowberries or pieris. It also grows very well in a pot, with light shading and regular watering. Its presence will bring a very personal touch to the terrace or balcony.