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Leatherleaf Viburnum Viburnum rhytidophyllum

Phonetic Spelling
vih-BUR-num ry-ti-do-FIL-um
Description

Leatherleaf Viburnum is an evergreen shrub native to China. This shrub prefers well-drained average to moist acidic soils.

It blooms in late spring the flower buds are formed in late summer to early fall of the previous year and are also ornamental. The dark-green foliage is also desirable. The leaves and blooms are showy and the bright red berries can last into winter. Use in mixed shrub borders or as a hedge.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  In colder winter areas it may experience winter die-back.  Plant where it can be protected from winter winds.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

Quick ID

  • Leaves are wrinkled, tomentose above and below
  • Large, OPPOSITE, lanceolate, dark-green leaves
  • Late-spring yellow-white cymes 10-20 cm across
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Cree'
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#white flowers#low maintenance#winter interest#showy fruits#deer resistant#red fruits#fantz#butterfly friendly#shrub borders#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
'Cree'
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#white flowers#low maintenance#winter interest#showy fruits#deer resistant#red fruits#fantz#butterfly friendly#shrub borders#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Viburnum
    Species:
    rhytidophyllum
    Family:
    Viburnaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract butterflies. This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Open
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Red/Burgundy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Red drupe turns black and can last into winter
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Cyme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Creamy white flowers on 4 to 8 in. flat-topped cyme. Individual small flowers have long stamens, 5 petals and are 1/4 inch wide. Inflorescence is a 7-11 rayed, flat-topped axillary cyme.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are opposite, simple, lanceolate, entire, distinctly rugose, tomentose above and below, 3-7 in long and 1-2 in wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gray/Silver
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Stems are gray-brown, young stems pubescent.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer