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Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum)

ID

2901-1054NP

Authors as Published

Alex X. Niemiera, Professor, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech (first published May 2009, last reviewed March 2024)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf Height: 15 feet

Spread: 15 feet

Shape: Upright, multi-stem shrub

This large shrub has dark green leaves that are large, slender, and wrinkled. This species has showy white flowers in late spring. Clusters of red to black berries form (inconsistently) in late summer.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 6 to 8

Light: Shade to partial shade Moisture: Moist to dry

Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, screen, and in mass.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily.

Prefers well-drained soil.

Select location that is protected from winter sun and wind. Tolerates heavy shade.

Care:

Little or no maintenance required.

Problems:

No serious pest or disease problems.

Hairs on bottom of leaves may be an irritant (on skin or inhaled) to humans during pruning.

Alternatives:

Consult garden centers historic or public gardens and arboreta regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of Viburnum rhytidophyllum

No important cultivars

Prague viburnum (Viburnum x pragense) is a large evergreen shrub with lustrous leaves and showy white flowers in late spring.

Comments:

This is a very large coarse-textured shrub that grows well in shady locations where other plants fail.

Serves as an attractive background plant for smaller flowering plants and blends well with other evergreens.

 


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Publication Date

March 6, 2024