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Description
Viburnum Rhytidophyllum, commonly known as Leatherleaf Viburnum, is a shrub that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is a native plant of China and is mostly grown for its ornamental foliage. The shrub can grow up to 8-12 feet in height and width, making it an ideal choice for hedges and screens. Its leaves are large, glossy, and leathery, with a dark green color on the upper side and a lighter shade on the lower side. In the spring, the shrub produces small white flowers that turn into red fruit in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Adoxaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Appearance
The Leatherleaf Viburnum is a large, dense, and evergreen shrub that can grow up to 8-12 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are oval-shaped, large, and leathery, with a dark green color on the upper side and a lighter shade on the lower side. The shrub produces small white flowers in the spring that turn into red fruit in the fall. The fruit is a small, round, and fleshy berry that is edible but not very palatable.
Care Guide
The Leatherleaf Viburnum is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you take care of your shrub:
- Water: The shrub prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilization: The shrub doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to help it grow.
- Soil: The shrub prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full to partial sunlight, but it can also grow in shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Leatherleaf Viburnum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by some common problems, such as:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and distort.
- Scale Insects: These insects can attach themselves to the branches and leaves of the shrub and feed on its sap.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves and defoliation.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
Habitat
The Leatherleaf Viburnum is native to China and is mostly grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and landscapes. It prefers moist soil and can grow in full to partial sunlight. The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9 and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Leatherleaf Viburnum a deciduous or evergreen shrub?
A: The Leatherleaf Viburnum is an evergreen shrub that retains its leaves throughout the year.
Q: Can the Leatherleaf Viburnum grow in shade?
A: Yes, the shrub can grow in shade, but it prefers full to partial sunlight.
Q: Is the fruit of the Leatherleaf Viburnum edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not very palatable.
Q: Does the Leatherleaf Viburnum require much fertilizer?
A: No, the shrub doesn’t require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to help it grow.
Related Plants
- Viburnum Dentatum
- Viburnum Opulus
- Viburnum Plicatum
- Viburnum Tinus
References
- “Viburnum rhytidophyllum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282377.
- “Viburnum rhytidophyllum.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/59689/.
- “Viburnum rhytidophyllum.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/3864/viburnum-rhytidophyllum/details.
