Clethra barbinervis

Also Known As

Japanese Clethra

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

H: 10'-20'
W: 8'-15'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Clethra barbinervis plant details

Clethra barbinervis is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clethra barbinervis

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: clethraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 FT - 15 FT - wide, 10 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: fall color, fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clethra barbinervis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A wonderful form of Clethra from Japan, this large, 10-20' upright tree/shrub with pretty dark-green leaves and long racemes of fragrant white flowers, the blooms are highly attractive to honeybees and butterflies; the bright yellow (and sometimes red) fall color, persistent brown seed pods and bushy habit also recommend this handsome plant. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

Forming a large shrub to small tree, Japanese summersweet is a wonderful addition to the woodland garden. It's hard to say what feature is best; the fragrant white flowers produced in 4-6" long racemes late summer, dark green, glossy leaves that turn a beautiful golden yellow (sometimes red) in fall, or the shiny and dark exfoliating bark. Rich woodland soils and consistent moisture are best. Probably needs some protection from winter wind and very cold temperatures in zone 5.

By: Botanophilia

More tree-like in character than others in its genus, Japanese Clethra has richly colored bark that peels off to reveal color tones of lavender, gray, and cream. Butterflies are attracted to the showy fragrant flowers. Autumn colors are yellow and red. This is a hardy and rare small tree to use in an area receiving afternoon shade.

By: Heritage Seedlings

Acquired when we bought out a Rare Plant Nursery. A fast growing, deciduous shrub or small tree. Numerous wonderfully fragrant white flowers in 4-6" long racemes in late summer when the color is needed in the shrub/tree plantings. Smooth peeling gray to reddish-brown bark. Persistent fruit capsules are attractive. Red foliage in Fall with blooms still attached. Looks like a Sourwood (Oxydendron) Bush! Totally beautiful in Fall!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Japanese Clethra has so much going for it, one may wonder why it is not more commonly grown. It is a large shrub or small tree, reaching perhaps 15-20' in cultivation. Fragrant white panicles adorn every branch during July and August and contrast nicely with the dark green ovate finely toothed foliage. Perhaps most remarkable is the beautiful exfoliating bark that adds to the winter landscape. It prefers an average to moist and neutral to slightly acidic soil. We have large 40-58" plants available in 2 gallon pots.