Rhytidophyllous Viburnum
viburnum rhytidophyllum
Also known as: ["Leatherleaf Viburnum"]
Overview
A deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with large, leathery, deeply veined leaves and clusters of small white flowers followed by red berries turning black.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Dipsacales |
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Genus: | Viburnum |
| Botanical Name: | Viburnum rhytidophyllum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate clay if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; avoid sudden exposure to prevent leaf scorch; place in filtered light during peak summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of stress; rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth if needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils without amendments; ensure good aeration; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–7; tolerates temperatures between -20°F and 80°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources in winter; monitor temperature fluctuations closely.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Test soil before fertilizing; follow label instructions for dilution; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or coarse sand with some organic matter.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to control size; removing crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; dispose of diseased material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting for rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; buds may fail to open; overall growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of mulch to insulate roots; protect with burlap or frost cloth in severe cold; ensure proper winter hydration.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf drop, or scorched foliage; reduced flowering; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicViburnum rhytidophyllum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would pose a risk to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicViburnum rhytidophyllum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicViburnum rhytidophyllum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Viburnum rhytidophyllum toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How much sunlight does it need?
A: It tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun for best flowering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Adoxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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