Species

Viburnum rhytidophylloidesLeatherleaf Viburnum

1 other cultivar

‘Allegheny’Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum

shrub

Willowwood Viburnum

Viburnum rhytidophylloides 'Willowwood'

The Story

Plant Bio

Viburnum x rhytidophylloides is a tough hybrid known for its large size and large, leathery, wrinkled leaves. It is semi-evergreen to deciduous with a robust, arching habit.

'Willowwood' is a renowned selection noted for its vigorous growth and its habit of reblooming in the fall. It has large, dark green, heavily textured leaves and produces abundant flowers followed by red fruit that matures to black.

Uses & Benefits:

A bold, coarse-textured shrub valued for its large, wrinkled, semi-evergreen leaves, large clusters of spring flowers, reliable fall rebloom, and multi-colored fruit display.

Its large size and dense habit make it an excellent and fast-growing choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and background plantings in large landscapes.

Flowers support pollinators in both spring and fall. The berries provide food for birds, and the dense structure offers excellent cover.

SpeciesViburnum rhytidophylloidesLeatherleaf Viburnum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Garden origin (USA, 1940s)

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in an average, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
Give it plenty of room to grow to its mature size.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant at the same level it was in the container.
Backfill, water in well, and mulch.
Water during dry periods until well established.

Pro Tip

Plant another cultivar of the same cross, like 'Alleghany', nearby to ensure heavy cross-pollination and a spectacular fruit set.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it for large-scale screening where a tough plant is needed.
Appreciate its coarse texture as a contrast to finer-leaved plants.
Plant a pollinator partner for best fruit display.

Don't

Don't plant it in a small garden; it gets large.
Avoid waterlogged soils.
Don't expect it to be fully evergreen in colder climates.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Large-scale screening or hedgeDurable background shrub for bordersTough specimen for difficult sites

Companion Plants

Physocarpus opulifolius Cornus alba 'Sibirica'Panicum virgatum Rudbeckia fulgida Hydrangea paniculata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Willowwood Viburnum questions

What zones can Willowwood Viburnum grow in?

Willowwood Viburnum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Willowwood Viburnum deer resistant?

Yes — Willowwood Viburnum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Willowwood Viburnum bloom?

Willowwood Viburnum typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Willowwood Viburnum need full sun?

Willowwood Viburnum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Willowwood Viburnum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Willowwood Viburnum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.