- 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:
- 1003766-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
Also Known 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
Also Known 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
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known 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
Also Known 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 Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes 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 more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
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 a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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