- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 1 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 1 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 7
Leatherleaf is a fantastic North American native shrub that blooms early in the spring to provide nectar for early native pollinators. This member of the heather family has rounded evergreen leaves and masses of white bell-shaped flowers for many weeks during April and May. Chamaedaphne calyculata has a full four seasons of interest, including foliage that turns a purplish bronze during winter.
This naturally mounding shrub rarely needs pruning or deadheading, making it low maintenance and suitable for small spaces. Leatherleaf tolerates short periods of flooding and is a great plant for the boggy zones of a rain garden. It also grows well in average garden beds as long as it receives sufficient moisture while it establishes. Use leatherleaf near foundations, in a mixed sunny shrub border, or in a low-growing hedge for informal garden areas.
Leatherleaf Care
Plant leatherleaf in rich, moist soil that has a pH of 6.5 or lower. Locations with full sun or part shade will encourage vigorous growth. Water leatherleaf well at planting and until it is fully established. Using an annual application of compact or finely shredded arborist chips will help the soil retain moisture while also suppressing weeds. Supplemental fertilizing is rarely necessary and should only be done lightly once a year in the spring if plant vigor declines. Use a slow-release formula for acid-loving plants.
Light pruning can be done in late spring after flowering has ended. Cut back any branches that were damaged over the winter or are showing signs of disease. Deadheading is not needed and will prevent the brownish seed pods from forming.
Leatherleaf Spacing
The mature height and width of leatherleaf is anywhere from 1-3 feet. Allow plenty of room for this shrub to spread out when planting with other shrubs and perennials. Space plants 2-3 feet apart in a garden bed. Leatherleaf is a smaller-sized shrub that lends itself to container growing and will happily grow in a pot for years. Choose a container with adequate drainage in the bottom and with a diameter of at least 12 inches.
Leatherleaf Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 7 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 1 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 1 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 1 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Spreading |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: April and May |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Leatherleaf |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Wetland Areas & Ponds |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Leatherleaf |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Chamaedaphne calyculata |
- SKU:
- 1231003766-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.