Leatherleaf Plant Care

Leatherleaf (Xylococcus bicolor) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Xylococcus genus. Leatherleaf is native to southern California and the Baja California Peninsula, south to the Sierra de la Giganta. Leatherleaf is also known as Bicolored Leatherleaf.

Leatherleaf displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Leatherleaf produces small bell-shaped white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Leatherleaf every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Leatherleaf thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Leatherleaf in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Xylococcus bicolor tolerates temperatures of 55–75°F. Leatherleaf prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Good drainage is essential for Leatherleaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Leatherleaf every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and well-draining acidic soil mix with peat moss and pine bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Leatherleaf is suited to USDA Zone 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Leatherleaf can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Leatherleaf while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Leatherleaf is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Leatherleaf can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Leatherleaf is susceptible to spider mites, lace bugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Leatherleaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12b. Leatherleaf is native to southern California and the Baja California Peninsula, south to the Sierra de la Giganta. In cooler regions, grow Leatherleaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.