Clethra delavayi Franch.

Shrubs

A large deciduous shrub to 4m tall, with arching shoots and blue-green leaves to 15cm long. Dense, horizontally held spikes of cup-shaped, fragrant white flowers are produced in midsummer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

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
W. China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained acidic soil in partial or dappled shade; a woodland garden is ideal

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers outdoors in spring or autumn. Take greenwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

See pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free