Species

Viburnum rhytidophylloidesLeatherleaf Viburnum

1 other cultivar

‘Willowwood’Willowwood Viburnum

shrub

Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum

Viburnum rhytidophylloides 'Allegheny'

The Story

Plant Bio

A dense, multi-stemmed, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub, a hybrid between V. rhytidophyllum and V. lantana. It is known for its leathery, dark green, wrinkled leaves.

'Allegheny' is a compact, rounded selection prized for its profuse creamy-white spring flowers, abundant red-to-black fall fruit, and excellent heat and drought tolerance. Its foliage is semi-evergreen, often persisting through mild winters.

Uses & Benefits:

Its handsome, leathery, dark green foliage provides a coarse texture and year-round presence in the garden. Abundant spring flowers and multi-colored fall fruit clusters add significant seasonal appeal.

The dense, multi-stemmed growth habit makes 'Allegheny' an exceptional choice for creating thick privacy hedges and screens. Its toughness and adaptability to a range of conditions, including drought and shade, make it a reliable landscape problem-solver.

The flowers provide nectar for pollinators in spring. The berries, which ripen from red to black in the fall, are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, often persisting into winter.

SpeciesViburnum rhytidophylloidesLeatherleaf Viburnum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

30+ years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Berries mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in sun or shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the container.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently.
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with good air circulation to minimize the risk of fungal diseases on its dense foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant.
Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Allow it to grow into its natural, dense form for best effect.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Avoid late-season pruning, as it will remove the flower buds for next year.
Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to weak growth.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf spot diseases.

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

Dense privacy screen or hedgeFoundation planting with year-round textureTough shrub for difficult sites

Companion Plants

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)Fothergilla gardenii Heuchera (Coral Bells)Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum questions

What zones can Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum grow in?

Allegheny Leatherleaf 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 Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum bloom?

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

Does Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum need full sun?

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

Is Allegheny Leatherleaf Viburnum drought tolerant?

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