Overview

Clethra tomentosa 'Cottondale' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Clethra, part of the Clethraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Clethra tomentosa 'Cottondale' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.

About

Clethra tomentosa 'Cottondale', known as woolly white alder 'Cottondale', is a bushy, deciduous cultivar of the Clethra genus. These shrubs are noted for their simple leaves and small, fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers arranged in racemes or panicles. 'Cottondale' thrives in partial shade with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained acidic soils such as loam or sand. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens and is low maintenance, flowering in spring and summer.

About the genus

Clethra is a genus of flowering shrubs or small trees erected as a genus by Linnaeus in 1753.

Wikipedia contributors, "Clethra", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clethra

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Clethra

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Clethra tomentosa 'Cottondale' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Clethra tomentosa 'Cottondale'

Propagation

Seed in spring or autumn, Softwood cuttings in early summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions