About

Clethra barbinervis 'White Star' is an upright, deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 2.5 meters. As it matures, its bark begins to flake. The leaves are oval, toothed, and dark green, displaying hues of red and yellow in the fall. From late summer through early autumn, this plant produces elongated clusters of fragrant white flowers.

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
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 fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial or dappled shade
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free