Clethra barbinervis

RHS Plant Profile

Japanese clethra

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Synonyms

Clethra canescens misapplied

Shrubs

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A deciduous large shrub with attractive bark and obovate leaves to 12cm in length, turning red and orange in autumn. Small fragrant white flowers are borne in clustered racemes in late summer and 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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): 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: Correct
Plant Range: E China to Japan

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 or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Low Maintenance
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 2

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free