Leatherleaf

Light Needs

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 to 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.