Plant Finder
Leatherleaf Viburnum
Viburnum rhytidophyllum
Height: 15 feet
Spread: 10 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 4
Description:
An excellent large shrub, with showy clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring followed by brilliant red fruit in fall; leathery, evergreen foliage is dark green and glossy; makes a great specimen or screen; semi-evergreen in colder climates
Ornamental Features
Leatherleaf Viburnum is blanketed in stunning white lacecap flowers held atop the branches in mid summer, which emerge from distinctive chartreuse flower buds. The red fruits which fade to black over time are held in abundance in spectacular clusters from late summer to late winter. It has dark green foliage with gray undersides. The glossy oval leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Leatherleaf Viburnum is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Leatherleaf Viburnum is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
Planting & Growing
Leatherleaf Viburnum will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This variety requires a different selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.
