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    Clethra species

    Also Known As

    • Summersweet

    Plant type

    shrub

    size

    • H: 6'
    • W: 4'

    planting zones

    • 7a-9b

    More Options

    Clethra species plant details

    Clethra species is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Clethra species

    Plant type: shrub
    Plant family: clethraceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 4 FT wide, 6 FT tall
    Flowers: white blooms in summer
    Uses: distinctive bark, fall color, floriferous, fragrant, rare

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Clethra species

    USDA Zones: 7a - 9b
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: even moisture
    Soil needs: average and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Large deciduous shrubs with attractive peeling bark. The lanceolate leaves are dark green above, downy white beneath. The fragrant white flowers are borne in large terminal racemes for a spectacular display in mid-summer. Good fall color. From seed collected in the wild. Very rare in cultivation.

    By: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden

    Gardening facts about Clethra species plant

    How to Grow Clethra species

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white

    • Wildlife

      • bees

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    See other plant types of Clethra for your garden

    Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

    aka Ruby Spice Summer Sweet, Sweet Pepperbush

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    4a-9b

    Size

    Height: 4'-8'

    Width: 3'-5'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - high
    Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' flower by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
    View Plant

    Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

    aka Hummingbird Summer Sweet, Hummingbird Sweet Pepperbush

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    3a-9b

    Size

    Height: 2'-4'

    Width: 3'-5'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • even moisture - high
    Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' flower by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
    View Plant

    More Options

    Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'

    aka Sixteen Candles Summer Sweet, Summersweet

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    4a-9b

    Size

    Height: 30"-60"

    Width: 24"-48"

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles' flower, foliage by Briggs Plant Propagators
    View Plant

    More Options

    Clethra alnifolia

    aka Summersweet

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    4a-9b

    Size

    Height: 4'-8'

    Width: 4'-6'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Clethra alnifolia flower, foliage, form by Kenpei
    View Plant

    More Options

    Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spires'

    aka Pink Spires Sweet Pepperbush

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    4a-8b

    Size

    Height: 3'-8'

    Width: 4'-6'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - high
    Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spires' flower by Forestfarm
    View Plant

    More Options

    +18 more Clethra
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