Dart's Duke Leatherleaf Viburnum

Dart's Duke Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum 'Dart's Duke')

Dart's Duke Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum 'Dart's Duke'), also known as Dart�s Duke Viburnum, is a bold, semi-evergreen shrub prized for its coarse-textured foliage, dense branching, and improved flowering performance. This compact, refined cultivar delivers structure, privacy, and wildlife value with less sprawl than the species.

Distinctive Features

This selection grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide, forming a full, upright habit ideal for screening or background planting. Large, dark green, leathery leaves have deeply impressed veins and silver-gray undersides, creating visual contrast throughout the year. Creamy white flower clusters bloom in mid-spring and are followed by red fruits that ripen to black, attracting birds. In milder climates, foliage may persist through winter.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; tolerant of dry spells once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Focal point or screening shrub in foundation plantings
• Naturalistic or woodland garden borders
• Backdrops for mixed shrub and perennial beds
• Bird and pollinator-friendly landscapes
• Low-maintenance privacy hedge with seasonal interest

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune after flowering to shape or control size
• Mulch annually to preserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Water deeply during dry periods, especially when young
• Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if needed
• Generally pest- and disease-resistant in most conditions

Why Choose Dart's Duke Leatherleaf Viburnum

• Compact form fits well in smaller landscapes or tight spaces
• Large, leathery leaves offer texture and evergreen presence
• Showy spring flowers and bird-attracting fruit add interest
• Adaptable to sun or shade and various soil types
• A durable focal point or screening plant with year-round appeal

Dart's Duke Leatherleaf Viburnum offers bold foliage, spring flowers, and strong structure in a more compact size, making it an excellent focal point or screen for landscapes needing texture and long-term performance.