Leucothoe 'Makijaz' (Leucothoe fontanesiana) - ericaceous shrub with colourful foliage - 17 cm pot - Height 45 cm

Yes, Leucothoe 'Makijaz' (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is specifically designed for the shaded conditions that many shrubs refuse. It grows naturally in the undergrowth, at the foot of large-leaved trees, against north- or east-facing walls. Direct sunlight is harmful to it: it dries out and burns its foliage, and makes it lose its beautiful colorful hues. It is therefore one of the few evergreen plants capable of bringing color and structure to the dark corners of the garden. It pairs perfectly with hostas, ferns, astilbes, and rhododendrons in these difficult conditions.

The Leucothoe 'Makijaz' is an ericaceous plant: it requires acidic to slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in humus, moist and well-drained, as it suffers as much from drought as from excess 'standing water. If your garden has alkaline or neutral soil, improve it generously with ericaceous soil and leaf compost before planting. An organic mulch such as dead leaves or pine bark chips helps to gradually acidify the topsoil and retain the 'moisture necessary for its healthy growth.

Yes, the Leucothoe 'Makijaz' is perfectly hardy across almost all of France. It withstands below-freezing temperatures without suffering when planted in the ground, even in regions with cold winters such as the Grand Est and Burgundy, or at moderate 'altitudes. Far from falling off, its evergreen foliage takes on beautiful bronze and purple hues during the cold season, making it a decorative asset even in January.

The Leucothoe 'Makijaz' is a slow-growing shrub that does not require severe or regular pruning. The best time to prune is in spring, just after flowering: remove any stems damaged over winter or those growing in unsightly directions. You can also shorten the longest stems by 'one-third to encourage a denser growth habit and keep the clump in harmonious proportions. Avoid pruning in autumn, as this would leave the young shoots vulnerable to frost.

Absolutely, the Leucothoe 'Makijaz' is very well suited to growing in pots or containers, provided you follow a few simple rules. Choose a container 'at least 30 cm in diameter with effective drainage at the bottom, and fill it 'with a mixture of ericaceous soil and compost. Place the pot in a 'shaded or partially shaded location, ideally on a north- or 'east-facing balcony or terrace. Water regularly as the potting mix dries out faster than 'soil, and apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer in spring to support growth.

Leucothoe fontanesiana is a modest-sized shrub that reaches a height of approximately 80 cm to 1.20 m at maturity, with a similar spread, depending on growing conditions. Its growth is slow, making it an easy-to-manage plant in small spaces, borders, or pots. You receive it here with a starting height of 45 cm in a 17 cm pot, already well-developed and ready to s'ettle. It will maintain an arched and graceful habit, with elegant, drooping stems characteristic of the Leucothoe genus, giving it a natural and highly decorative silhouette throughout the y'ear.

The 'Makijaz' pairs 'wonderfully with all the plants that share its preferences for 'shade, coolness, and acidic soils. Hostas make perfect neighbors, offering a contrast of textures between their large, smooth leaves and the lance-shaped foliage of the Makijaz. Evergreen ferns such as 'Asplenium or Polystichum add lightness and movement. Rhododendrons and azaleas share exactly the same soil requirements and make natural companions.