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Leatherleaf viburnum

Viburnum rhytidophyllum

vy-BURN-um rih-tid-oh-FIL-lum

This vigorous, coarsely textured evergreen shrub has an upright habit and 8-inch-long, lustrous, deeply veined oval leaves with dark blue-green surfaces and pale green undersides. The leaf stems are fuzzy brown. In spring, fragrant creamy-white flowers bloom in clusters. Blue berries form in June and become plump through September, maturing to glossy black. Plants grow 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.

CareThis plant grows in rich, moist, and very acidic soils, and it tolerates wet soils. Shelter from cold, drying winds. It does well in shade but blooms best in almost full sun. Leaves may droop during extended periods of freezing temperatures.

PropagationTake greenwood cuttings in summer.

ProblemsGray mold (Botrytis), rust, downy mildew, powdery mildew, wood rot, Verticillium wilt, leaf spots, dieback, aphids, Viburnum beetles, scale insects, weevils, Japanese beetles, mealybugs, and tree hoppers

  • Genus : Viburnum
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
  • Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Bloom Time : Late Spring, Spring
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

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