Leucothoe keiskei, commonly known as Japanese Leucothoe, is an evergreen shrub native to the forest understories and mountainous regions of Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming a dense, rounded mound. The plant features leathery, lance-shaped leaves that can turn purplish in cold weather, adding winter interest. In spring and early summer, it produces drooping clusters of small, bell-shaped white flowers that are subtly fragrant and attract pollinators.

Japanese Leucothoe is valued for its shade tolerance and attractive foliage, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as an understory plant in larger landscapes. It thrives in acidic, organically rich soils with good moisture retention and requires consistent watering, especially in drier conditions. While it prefers part shade to full shade, it can tolerate morning sun if the soil remains moist. This shrub is relatively low-maintenance but may benefit from pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It is generally disease-resistant but can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet.CC BY-SA 4.0