Leatherleaf Leaves
This product does not ship to: Idaho

Leatherleaf

$41.49
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Spring 2024 Pre-Order - Learn More
$41.49
This product does not ship to: Idaho
  • 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.

4.5 Pot

4.5" Pot
 Also Know As:
   4.5" Container

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months
 Plant Size:
   ~ 3"-6"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
 Volume:
   1.42 quarts

Quart Pot

Quart Pot
 Also Know As:
   Quart

 Plant Age:
   ~ 6 months - 1 year
 Plant Size:
   ~ 4"-8"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
 Volume:
   1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart

2.5 Quart
 Also Know As:
   2.5 Quart Pot

 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 8"-12"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
 Volume:
   2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot

#1 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #1 Container
    1 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 2 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 10"-14"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 7"H x 7.75"W
 Volume:
   2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot

#2 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #2 Container
    2 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 1.5 - 3 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-18"
 Pot Size:
   ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
 Volume:
   1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot

#3 Pot
 Also Know As:
   #3 Container
    3 Gallon
 Plant Age:
   ~ 2 - 4 years old
 Plant Size:
   ~ 12"-30"
 Pot Size:
   ~9.5"H x 11"W
 Volume:
   2.32-2.76 gallons


For more detailed information, please click here.

Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)

Plant Addicts guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy and healthy, but the plant(s) are being shipped through the mail and accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.

For information on how to care for you new plant please check out our guide. Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty whether you’re new or an expert. There are many variables outside our control and yours that can cause the demise of your plant(s). Examples would be hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, disease, insects & many other factors. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant purchase. We will cover 100% of the price of the plant but the warranty does not cover shipping cost. Simply let us know if your plant has died within one year of receiving it and we’ll get you a new one shipped out. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again we’ll try to make it as easy as possible.

For more information, please go to our Shipping & Returns page at the bottom of the website.

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.