Leatherleaf viburnum is an upright broadleaf evergreen that adds interest to many shaded parts of the garden. Glossy furrowed leaves and slightly fragrant flowers that develop into fruit highlight this native of China. The flowers appear by late spring in clusters. Fruits develop red and then change to black before being fully ripe by start of fall. The aesthetic qualities of this shrub are subjective: some fine it intriguing, others may find it tired and unexciting.
Use leatheleaf viburnum as a background plant or specimen, and most definitely to attract birds. Plant it in partial to full shade, and out of the wind. Winter wind exposures greatly reduce the ornamental pluses of this shrub. (info source: Learn2Grow.com)
Genus - Viburnum
Species - Rhytidophyllum
Common name - Leather Leaf Viburnum
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 5 - 7
Height - 10'-15' / 3 - 4.60 m
Spread - 10'-15' / 3 - 4.60 m
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Broadleaf Evergreen
Exposure - Partial sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, loam, sand, well drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
Germination rate - 85%
Bloom season - Late Spring
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Yellow, white
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. 2. Sow seeds so they are just covered or nestled among soil particles in a seed tray. Use a peat-based potting mix that drains well and remains moist. Or, incorporate sand into the peat mix to create a moist, well-draining, fine-particle soil. 3. Place the seedling tray in a brightly lit (not baking in direct sun) garden location, greenhouse or indoor room where the temperature hovers around 68F (+20C) for a period of three months. Keep the soil moist, but never wet/soggy. This is a "warm season stratification". 4. Relocate the seedling tray to the cold frame outdoors (or a refrigerator) where the temperature hovers around +1-+3C for three to five months. Keep the soil barely moist. 5. Remove from the cold stratification area and again place the seedling tray into a warm, bright location where the temperature is around +18-+20C degrees. Keep the tray exposed to this warm environment for three to six months. Look for any germinating seeds. If none is seen, repeat the process again. Info source: eHow.com |