Varieties We Bring In
Standard · Little Flames
Standard
Standard · Little Flames · Lucky Lou
We received some Doghobble on Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Pet safety guideAbout 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.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
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.
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.
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.
Similar needs
Yellow Anise
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Swamp Twinflower
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Peacock Ginger
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
Arrowhead Plant
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, acidic, and zone 9a hardiness.
Peace Lily
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
Strawberry Bush
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Doghobble a good plant for St. Augustine?
Doghobble is a shrub. Mature size: 3-5 feet × 3-5 feet. Light: Part Shade, Full Shade. Water needs: Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.
What is the recorded pet toxicity for Doghobble?
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
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.