Florida Leucothoe Plant Care

Florida Leucothoe (Agarista populifolia) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Agarista genus. Florida Leucothoe is native to the southeastern United States inhabiting moist to wet woodlands. Florida Leucothoe is also known as Poplar Leaf Agarista.

Florida Leucothoe displays an upright, dense shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Florida Leucothoe produces bell-shaped white or pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Florida Leucothoe every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Florida Leucothoe thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Florida Leucothoe in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Agarista populifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Florida Leucothoe prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Florida Leucothoe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Florida Leucothoe every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Florida Leucothoe is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Florida Leucothoe can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Florida Leucothoe while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Florida Leucothoe is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Florida Leucothoe can be propagated through softwood cuttings, layering.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Florida Leucothoe is susceptible to spider mites, lace bugs, nematodes. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Florida Leucothoe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Florida Leucothoe is native to the southeastern United States inhabiting moist to wet woodlands. In cooler regions, grow Florida Leucothoe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.