Lyonia lucida

Flower Description:

• Type and Arrangement: The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and borne in drooping clusters (racemes) that emerge from the leaf axils.
• Color: Typically pink, though shades may range from pale pink to almost white, with a waxy texture.
• Size: Each flower is approximately 0.5 inches in length.
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring, depending on the climate.
• Fragrance: Mild and sweet, though not overpowering, attracting bees and other pollinators.

Fruit Description:

• Type: The fruit is a small, dry capsule that splits open when mature.
• Shape and Size: Round to slightly oblong, about 0.25 inches in diameter.
• Color: Green when young, maturing to a light brown as it dries.
• Season: Fruits develop after flowering and persist into the fall.
• Ecological Value: While not highly ornamental, the fruit provides a food source for some small wildlife.

Foliage Description:

• Type: Evergreen with leathery, lance-shaped leaves.
• Size: Leaves range from 2–4 inches long and 0.5–1 inch wide.
• Color: Glossy dark green on the upper surface with a paler green underside.
• Texture: Smooth and slightly thickened, with entire (smooth) margins often bordered by a narrow, lighter-colored line.
• Growth Habit: The foliage forms a dense, rounded habit, creating a lush and tidy appearance year-round.
• Seasonal Changes: Retains its evergreen foliage throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variation.

Overview:
Lyonia lucida, commonly known as fetterbush, is an evergreen shrub native to the southeastern United States. It thrives in wetlands, pine barrens, and sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for native plant gardens, rain gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. With its attractive leathery foliage and showy pink to white bell-shaped flowers, fetterbush is both ornamental and ecologically beneficial.

Light Requirements:

• Partial Shade to Full Sun: Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun in cooler climates if adequate moisture is provided.

Soil Requirements:

• Soil Type: Requires well-draining, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Suitable for sandy soils, loam, or wet, mucky soils.
• pH Preference: Acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0.

Watering:

• Moisture Needs: Thrives in consistently moist to wet soil. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Ideal for planting in areas with natural water sources or where irrigation is consistent.

Fertilization:

• Frequency: Fertilize sparingly to avoid overgrowth.
• Type: Use an acid-loving plant fertilizer or organic compost once a year in early spring.

Pruning:

• Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Technique: Light pruning enhances airflow and prevents fungal issues, particularly in humid environments.

Temperature and Hardiness:

• USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 7–10.
• Temperature: Tolerates mild frosts but may experience damage in extremely cold winters.

Pests and Diseases:

• Generally pest-resistant but may occasionally attract lace bugs or scale insects.
• Fungal issues can occur in overly wet, poorly ventilated areas. Ensure proper spacing to improve airflow.

Mulching:

• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw, bark mulch, or leaf litter around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.

Growth Rate and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; can grow up to 6–8 feet tall and wide under optimal conditions.
• Minimal maintenance is required once established.

Propagation:

• Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer.
• Can also be grown from seeds, though this method takes longer to establish.

Special Notes:

• Fetterbush is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, as its flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.
• Its natural habitat makes it a perfect candidate for rain gardens, wetlands, or areas prone to flooding.
• Can be used as an understory shrub in woodland gardens, especially alongside other acid-loving plants such as azaleas, blueberries, and hollies.