shrub RHS Award

Leatherleaf Viburnum

Viburnum rhytidophyllum

The Story

Plant Bio

A large, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub prized for its large, deeply wrinkled, dark green leaves. It produces clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring followed by berries that mature from red to black.

The most distinctive feature is its heavily textured, leathery foliage which provides bold, year-round interest and a unique tactile quality. The undersides of the leaves are covered in a dense, felt-like tomentum.

Uses & Benefits:

The bold, leathery, evergreen foliage provides dramatic texture and year-round structure in the garden. Its large size makes it an excellent background plant or specimen for screening.

Its dense, evergreen nature makes it highly effective as a privacy hedge or screen. It can also help with noise abatement when planted as a dense border.

The spring flowers provide nectar for pollinators. The berries, which ripen in late summer and persist into winter, are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Central and Western China

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil in sun or shade.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Amend heavy clay soil with compost to improve drainage.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is at soil level.
Backfill the hole and water deeply to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds to prevent leaf desiccation and damage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's flower buds.
Plant more than one for best fruit set, though some are self-fertile.
Give it ample space to grow to its mature size.

Don't

Do not let the soil dry out completely, especially in full sun.
Avoid planting in waterlogged or poorly drained locations.
Don't prune in late summer or fall.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bold textured evergreen hedgeFoundation plant for large buildingsWoodland garden background specimen

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Rhododendron Hydrangea quercifolia Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Leatherleaf Viburnum questions

What zones can Leatherleaf Viburnum grow in?

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 Leatherleaf Viburnum deer resistant?

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

When does Leatherleaf Viburnum bloom?

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

Does Leatherleaf Viburnum need full sun?

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

Is Leatherleaf Viburnum drought tolerant?

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