Clethra barbinervis 'White Star'

Shrubs

An upright, deciduous shrub to 2.5m tall developing flaking bark with age. Oval, toothed, dark green leaves turn shades of red and yellow in autumn. Long racemes of fragrant white flowers are borne from late summer into early autumn

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Clethraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial or dappled shade

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free