Leatherleaf Arrowwood: A Textured Evergreen for Year-Round Interest
If you’re looking for a shrub that keeps its leaves through winter and adds some serious texture to your landscape, leatherleaf arrowwood (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) might catch your eye. This distinctive evergreen shrub brings a unique look to gardens with its wrinkled, leathery foliage that seems almost prehistoric in appearance.
What Makes Leatherleaf Arrowwood Special
Leatherleaf arrowwood is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant reaching 13 to 16 feet in height, though it can sometimes grow taller under the right conditions. What really sets this plant apart is its fascinating foliage – the leaves are dark green and deeply veined on top, while the undersides are covered in a fuzzy, brownish coating that gives them an almost felt-like texture.
In late spring, clusters of small, creamy-white flowers appear, creating a nice contrast against the dark foliage. These blooms are followed by berries that start red and eventually turn black, adding another season of interest to this already eye-catching shrub.
Where Does It Come From?
This viburnum species is native to central and western China, making it a non-native plant in North American gardens. It has been introduced to the United States and now reproduces naturally in the wild in Illinois, Kentucky, and New York, where it has established itself without human intervention.
Growing Leatherleaf Arrowwood Successfully
If you decide to grow leatherleaf arrowwood, here’s what you need to know to keep it happy:
- Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 5-8
- Sunlight: Tolerates full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Water: Regular watering during establishment, then relatively drought tolerant
- Protection: Benefits from shelter from harsh, drying winds
Planting and Care Tips
The best time to plant leatherleaf arrowwood is in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
During the first year, water regularly to help establish the root system. Once established, this shrub is fairly low-maintenance. If you need to prune for shape or size, do so lightly just after the flowers fade to avoid removing next year’s buds.
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Leatherleaf arrowwood works well as a specimen plant where its unique texture can be appreciated up close. It’s also effective when used for screening or as part of a mixed shrub border. The evergreen nature means it provides structure and interest even in winter when many other plants are dormant.
This shrub fits particularly well in woodland gardens or naturalized areas where its somewhat wild appearance feels at home. The spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the berries provide food for birds.
Things to Consider
While leatherleaf arrowwood can be an interesting addition to the right garden, it’s worth considering native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native viburnums like American cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) or arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) offer beautiful flowers, wildlife benefits, and are naturally adapted to local conditions.
If you do choose to plant leatherleaf arrowwood, you’ll be rewarded with a unique-looking shrub that provides year-round interest and requires relatively little maintenance once established. Just remember to give it the space it needs to reach its full size and the protection from harsh winds that will keep those distinctive leaves looking their best.
