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Frangula/Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf' - Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

Leatherleaf Coffeeberry (Frangula californica 'Leatherleaf', formerly Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf') is a versatile evergreen shrub with a mounding form and leathery dark green foliage.

 

Leatherleaf Coffeeberry is a terrific option for creating a medium-tall hedge in more formal or traditional gardens. It is also a good California native alternative to Rhododendron, thanks to its similar-looking foliage.

 

While it works well as a background evergreen, 'Leatherleaf' Coffeeberry still creates dynamic visual interest in the garden. As with the species, its flowers are greenish-yellow and inconspicuous, followed by attractive showy berries that ripen from green to red to black when finally ripe. On new growth, its stems have a red tint.

 

'Leatherleaf' Coffeeberry is a hardy, fast growing shrub that is drought tolerant. It can grow in most soils, but thrives in sandy, well-draining soil. It attracts many pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. It is a host plant for many species of beautiful moths and butterflies.

Frangula/Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf' - Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

PriceFrom $89.99
Quantity
Expected to ship early October
  • Optimal Growth Conditions

    • Mature Height: 5 - 8 feet
    • Mature Width: 5 - 8 feet
    • Sun: Full Sun, Filtered Sun, Partial Sun
    • Water: Very Low, Low
    • Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

     

    Geographic Appropriateness

    • USDA Zone: Zones 7 - 10
    • Sunset Zone: Zones 3A - 10, 14 - 24
    • Native Sites: 'Leatherleaf' is a selected cultivar of the Coffeeberry, which is found in a wide variety of settings and habitats across California, including coastal strand, foothill woodland slopes, sage scrub flats, chaparral, evergreen forest in mountain areas, rocky outcrops, sandy areas, stream banks, pinyon-juniper woodland in desert transition, and creosote bush scrub in high desert.

     

    Additional Landscaping Information

    • Characteristics: Flowering, California Native, Drought Tolerant, Evergreen
    • Special Uses: Bank Stabilization, Hedge, Bird Gardens

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