Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) vy-BURN-um rih-tid-oh-FIL-lum Genus:  Viburnum 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 10-15 feet tall and wide. Care:  This plant grows in rich, moist, and very acidic soils, and 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. Propagation:  Take greenwood cuttings in summer Problems:  Gray mold (Botrytis), rust, downy mildew, powdery mildew, wood rot, Verticillium wilt, leaf spots, and dieback. Aphids, Viburnum beetles, scale insects, weevils, Japanese beetles, mealybugs, and tree hoppers.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Late Spring, Spring Flower Color White Foliage Color Evergreen Uses Beds and Borders, Hedge, Screening Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs