leatherwood

Leatherwood should be watered lightly once a week or every 10 days. In dry spells, deeper and more frequent watering may be necessary. The frequency and amount of water also depend on the pot size and type of soil used, with coarser soils requiring a bit more water than finer soils. Keep in mind that overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering will cause leaf browning and wilting. When in doubt, wait a few days and check the soil moisture before watering again.

Leatherwood is a deciduous, woodland shrub that is native to eastern North America. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and will thrive in partial shade to full sunlight. For a leatherwood plant to thrive, it should receive 4- 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. It is best to place your leatherwood in a spot where it gets at least 4 hours of direct sunlight in the morning, and then shade from the more intense afternoon sun. The blooming period of the leatherwood is in the spring and it can tolerate strong light and direct sun during that period.

Leatherwood is an attractive native evergreen shrub that can grow to be up to 10 feet tall. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. To maintain the naturally rounded shape of the leatherwood, selective pruning needs to be done. Remove dead or damaged wood, clip back excess stems, and thin out branches that have become too dense. In general, aim to remove 1/3 of the total available foliage. This will keep the leatherwood in its desired shape while allowing light to penetrate the interior. Leatherwood responds well to renewal pruning which should be done every 3-5 years. Renewal pruning involves cutting the entire shrub back by a third or more. This drastic pruning will promote new growth and help keep the shrub looking dense and full of foliage. Be sure not to do hard pruning of leatherwood too often as this can damage and kill the shrub. If uncertain, it is better to under prune than to over prune.