Shrubs

Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Girard’s Rainbow'

Girard's Rainbow doghobble

Girard's Rainbow doghobble. Representative plant

New leaves mix pink, white and green before settling into cream-and-green variegation. Fragrant white flowers appear in spring, and winter brings plum tones to the foliage. This evergreen selection adds color and a softer outline to a shaded border.

At a glance

Sun: Part shade to shade
Mature size: 4 ft. tall × 3 ft. wide
Water: Consistently moist, acidic soil; do not allow to dry out
Hardiness: USDA zone 5 minimum reported
Bloom: Fragrant white; May

Sizes & prices

#3$59.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Resistant, but not deer-proof.
Drought: Not tolerant; water during dry spells.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar of a North American native species.

Keep in mind: Poisonous if eaten; keep foliage away from children and pets.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen; plum winter tones.

Growing & care

Pruning: Usually little needed; remove damaged stems after flowering and selectively thin if overgrown.

Sources & photo credits

Pleasant Run Nursery

NC State Extension

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Photo: Photo by David J. Stang · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Girard's Rainbow doghobble. Representative plant; resized and re-encoded, not cropped.

Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.