Clethra alnifolia
summer sweet
An erect, bushy, suckering shrub not usually exceeding 2m. The fresh green leaves are simple, obovate, neatly serrrate, sometimes turning yellow in autumn. Near-white scented flowers are abundantly produced, in erect terminal racemes, in summer. Pink selections are available
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Yellow Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Clethraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Clethra can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, sometimes with attractive bark, with simple leaves and small, fragrant, usually white, bell-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile humus-rich moist but well-drained acid soil, best in part or dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring or autumn; propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 1; remove some of the old wood from the base in winter, leaving the strongest suckers as replacement growth
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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