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Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz

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Clethra arborea

Also Known As

Clethra cordata
Clethra secundiflora
Folhado
Lily of the Valley Tree
Lily-of-the-Valley Tree
White Alder

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 15"-20"
W: 4'-8'

planting zones

8a-9b

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Clethra arborea plant details

Clethra arborea is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with bronze and green foliage. In fall and summer white flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture water. Does well in acidic, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clethra arborea

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: clethraceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 15 IN - 20 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall and summer
Uses: floriferous, fragrant, long-blooming, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clethra arborea

USDA Zones: 8a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture

Soil needs: acidic, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A resident of the Madeira Islands, this winsome evergreen is densely attired in lustrous coppery green 4 to 6 in. long leaves. Copious small white fragrant flowers, resembling Lily-of-the-Valley blooms, embellish large showy rose-tinged panicles that cluster at branch tips from summer to fall and sustain our interest with round long lasting auburn-colored seed heads. Tailor made for narrow sheltered spaces, Clethra arborea's well groomed upright frame requires protection from hard freezes and savors moist, freely draining acidic soil.