Often listed as a cultivar of V. x carlcephalum, 'Chesapeake' is the result of a backcross between V. x 'Cayuga' (V. x carlesii x V. x carlcephalum) with V. utile made in 1962 by the U.S. National Arboretum. This same cross produced a sister seedling, V. x 'Eskimo'. 'Chesapeake' grows to 6'x10' in 16 years. Leathery, lustrous, dark green foliage that is long and persistant, making it semi-evergreen. The leaves are also undulating with a slight twist. Pink buds open to 2-3½" diameter slightly fragrant white flowers in May. Fruit is dull red, maturing black. Reportedly not as hardy as its sister seedling, 'Eskimo'. Hardy to -10 to -15°.