Viburnum rhytidophyllum ‘Alleghany‘, commonly known as Leatherleaf Viburnum, is a hardy hybrid shrub appreciated for its bold, leathery evergreen foliage and multi-season interest. Growing 8 to 10 feet tall and wide, it features fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries that mature to black and attract birds. Its dense, upright form makes it a reliable choice for privacy hedges, screens, and windbreaks.

Why Choose Viburnum rhytidophyllum ‘Alleghany’?

• Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage adds bold texture and year-round interest
• Spring flowers followed by bird-friendly berries
• Dense, upright growth habit ideal for privacy screens and windbreaks

Cultivating Tips

• Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil
• Tolerates a variety of soil types and urban environments
• Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage healthy new growth

Design Ideas for Your Garden

• Use as a large hedge, privacy screen, or backdrop in mixed borders
• Pair with native perennials and grasses for seasonal diversity and wildlife support
• Ideal for creating windbreaks or adding structure to larger landscapes

Ecological Benefits

• Flowers attract pollinators, and berries provide food for birds
• As a non-native species, it offers limited habitat benefits for native wildlife
• Native alternatives offer greater biodiversity support and contribute to healthier ecosystems

Since Viburnum rhytidophyllum ‘Alleghany’ is not a native species, here are three native alternatives available at Bumbee’s that provide ecological benefits:

• Arctostaphylos uva ursi – Bearberry: Evergreen groundcover with spring flowers and red berries that attract birds
• Andropogon virginicus – Broom Sedge: Native grass that offers structure, habitat, and food for birds and beneficial insects
• Allium cernuum – Lady’s Leek: Mid-summer blooming native perennial that attracts pollinators and adds soft, vertical texture