Chamaedaphne calyculata

RHS Plant Profile
leatherleaf

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leatherleaf RHS

Other common names

cassandra

Synonyms

Cassandra calyculata

Shrubs

Has arching stems and tough, glossy, dark green leaves. Small, white, hanging, urn-shaped flowers appear in spring in leafy sprays from the branch tips

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Ericaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Chamaedaphne are evergreen shrubs with small, leathery, dark green leaves and waxy, urn-shaped, white flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
N temperate regions

How to Grow

Cultivation

Needs a moist, naturally peaty, acidic soil in sun or dappled shade

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free