Shrub
Doghobble
Leucothoe fontanesiana
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
StandardLeucothoe fontanesianaLucky LouLeucothoe axillarisLittle FlamesLeucothoe fontanesiana
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$7.95
#2MonroviaFrom$79.95
3 galFrom$34.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightPart Shade, Full Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size3-5 feet × 3-5 feet
About Doghobble
Mountain Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is an arching Appalachian native shrub suited to cool, moist woodland gardens in zones 5-6. It is NOT reliably hardy or well-adapted to NE Florida's zone 9b heat and dry conditions; customers should be advised that this plant is very challenging in our climate. Starting at $7.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Leucothoe fontanesiana requires partial to full shade; it does not tolerate the intense sun and heat of NE Florida summers and is NOT recommended for zone 9b landscapes. If sold, position only in deep, cool, moist shade with consistent moisture.
Water
Needs consistently moist, never dry soil — it naturally grows along streambanks. This is difficult to maintain in NE Florida's dry winters and intense summers; supplemental irrigation is required regularly.
Soil & Fertilizer
Requires moist, acidic, humus-rich soil (pH 4.5–6.0). Amend liberally with peat or pine bark fines. This plant is poorly suited to NE Florida's sandy, alkaline, or poorly buffered soils and is not recommended for zone 9b landscapes.
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Common questions
Is Doghobble a good plant for St. Augustine?
Doghobble is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-5 feet × 3-5 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.