Swamp Doghobber Plant Care
Eubotrys racemosa (L.) Nutt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eubotrys racemosa is a species of flowering plant in the heath family known by the common names fetterbush, swamp doghobble, coastal fetterbush, and swamp sweetbells.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–75°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Swamp Doghobber?
Water Swamp Doghobber every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Swamp Doghobber?
Swamp Doghobber (Eubotrys racemosa) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Eubotrys genus. Swamp Doghobber is also known as Swamp Dogwood.
Swamp Doghobber displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Swamp Doghobber produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Swamp Doghobber?
Eubotrys racemosa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Swamp Doghobber Need?
Swamp Doghobber thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Swamp Doghobber in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Swamp Doghobber Prefer?
Eubotrys racemosa grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Swamp Doghobber prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Swamp Doghobber?
Well-draining, acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Swamp Doghobber to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Swamp Doghobber?
Feed Swamp Doghobber every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Swamp Doghobber?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Swamp Doghobber?
Swamp Doghobber can be propagated through division, offsets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eubotrys recurva plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Swamp Doghobber Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Swamp Doghobber?
Swamp Doghobber is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Swamp Doghobber Need?
Swamp Doghobber grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Swamp Doghobber as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Swamp Doghobber is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eubotrys genus — compare its care with other Eubotrys species on PlantoScan.
Eubotrys is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Swamp Doghobber thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eubotrys racemosa (L.) Nutt., family Ericaceae (first published in Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. , n.s., 8: 269 (1842)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Swamp Doghobber is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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