Wrinkled viburnum 'Roseum' Viburnum rhytidophyllum 'Roseum'

Water

The Leatherleaf Viburnum should be watered deeply once a week, providing approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During hot or dry spells, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent root rot. The best method is using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to ensure that water goes directly to the roots rather than splashing on the leaves. It is important to avoid over-watering, as the plant does not tolerate standing water.

Light

The Leatherleaf Viburnum prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives best in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight but is also protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Dappled or partial shade is suitable, especially in regions with very hot summers, as it prevents the foliage from scorching.

Temperature

The Leatherleaf Viburnum is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, usually between 5°F and -10°F. The ideal temperature range for this shrub is between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive short periods of colder winter temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below -10°F may damage the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the Leatherleaf Viburnum is generally done to shape the plant, remove dead or damaged wood, and encourage a bushier growth habit. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning every year is not necessary; every two to three years is sufficient unless you are controlling size or shaping the bush. Prune out the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Leatherleaf Viburnum prefers well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter; a mix with equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite is ideal. The soil pH for optimal growth should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.6 and 7.5.

Repotting

Leatherleaf Viburnum typically does not need frequent repotting and can often thrive in the same pot for several years. Assess every 2-3 years and repot if the roots become crowded.

Humidity & Misting

Leatherleaf Viburnum is adaptable and does not require specific humidity levels; however, it enjoys moderate atmospheric moisture similar to that of its natural woodland habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright indirect light and water when soil feels dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, mulch well, water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Viburnum rhytidophyllum 'Roseum', commonly known as leatherleaf viburnum, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination grows into a young seedling. The plant then enters a juvenile vegetative stage, where it rapidly expands its root system and foliage to become an established shrub. As it matures, it initiates the flowering stage, typically developing creamy-white flower clusters that have the potential to turn pink, blooming mainly in the spring. After pollination, these flowers give way to red fruit that later matures to black, entering the fruiting stage where seeds are dispersed for the next generation. The plant continues to grow larger with age, potentially reaching up to 10-15 feet in height and 10 feet in width, with a significant thickening of its leathery leaves and robust branching. Throughout its life, the leatherleaf viburnum experiences cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy, particularly in regions with cold winters, where it enters a period of rest before resuming growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Leatherleaf Viburnum, Viburnum rhytidophyllum 'Roseum', is through softwood cuttings. This technique is usually done in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender yet mature enough to handle the stress of cutting. To take a cutting, a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem is selected, ideally with a few sets of leaves, and the bottom part is cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite for good drainage and moisture retention. The pot is kept in indirect sunlight and maintained with consistent moisture. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger container or directly into the garden.