Swamp Doghobble is a 3 to 6-foot-tall deciduous shrub with alternate leaves. The shiny stems are a mix of green and red. In the spring, white, bell-shaped flowers appear on 3- to 4-inch racemes. Leaves turn red in the fall. It prefers moist, cool, acidic soil in part shade. It can be grown in full sun but must have good moisture. Does not tolerate drought or windy conditions. Although winter hardy to Zone 5, this shrub should be planted in a protected location and given a good winter mulch in cooler areas. Can be evergreen in warmer zones. This twiggy, spreading plant sends out suckers to form colonies. The bell-to-urn-shaped flowers appear in spring on 4-inch-long racemes. The leaves provide good fall colors. Use it along slopes, near ponds or ditches, in a woodland garden, rain garden or as a foundation planting. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Although it has no serious insect or disease problems, it is susceptible to root rot and leaf spot.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.