About

This is a medium-sized, bushy deciduous shrub featuring finely serrated, obovate leaves. At the tips of its branches, clusters of small, fragrant white flowers emerge in panicles.

About the genus

Clethra consists of trees or shrubs that can be either deciduous or evergreen. They often feature notable bark and have simple leaves. The small, fragrant flowers are typically white, bell-shaped, and arranged in racemes or panicles.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Fragrance
Flower

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist, acidic soils in a sheltered position in partial shade or shade
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free