clethra
( KLETH - ruh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of deciduous shrubs and evergreen small trees needs partial shade and regular water for best performance. They are native to a variety of habitats, including woodlands, swamps, and rocky areas in eastern and southeastern Asia. The flowers produced by these plants will attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden. Flowers are fragrant and smell sweet, coming in creamy white and pink and blooming in mid to late summertime.
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Clethra Species and Varietals
The genus Clethra includes about 75 species, and is a member of the plant family Clethraceae. The best growing zones for Clethra trees and shrubs vary depending on the species. For more information on how to grow these plants, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Clethra acuminata (Mountain Pepper Bush, Cinnamon Clethra) This species is native to the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. These understory shrubs can reach up to 20 feet tall and has foliage that is concentrated towards the ends of branches. Flowers are white and rich in nectar, blooming in June through August. Bark on older plants peels and splits in thin sheets, revealing cinnamon-colored wood underneath. |
Clethra alnifolia (Coastal Sweetpepperbush, Summer Sweet, Common White Alder) This species is native to eastern North America and is a wetland or bog-dwelling deciduous shrub that reaches 9-10 feet tall at maturity. Fragrant flowers are white to pink, and are favorites of native bumblebees. The specific epithet 'alnifolia' refers to the fact that the foliage looks like that of Alder trees. These plants are typically used as ornamental garden shrubs and can be valuable as erosion-control plants in sloped areas. Several cultivars have been developed, including 'September Beauty', 'Ruby Spice', and 'Hummingbird'. |
Clethra arborea (Lily-Of-The-Valley Tree) This evergreen tree grows best in zones 15-17 and 21-24 and is native to Madeira. It has a stiffly upright growth to about 20 feet tall and is about half as wide. Leaves are dark green and flowers are white, held in clusters at branch tips. Foliage will burn in frost conditions, but the entire plant comes back strong once warmer weather begins again. Spider mites can become a problem in summertime if not controlled. |
Clethra barbinervis (Japanese Sweet Shrub) This deciduous shrub grows well in zones 5-9 and 14-24, slowly reaching 15-18 feet tall and about half to 2/3 as wide. Bark is grey-brown and peeling, and white flowers bloom in drooping clusters. Fall color is bright yellow. Leaves are deeply toothed. These plants are native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. |
Caring for and pruning clethra Trees
These trees do best in moist, organic, slightly acidic soil that is well-draining. They prefer partial shade but can adapt to a variety of sun exposures. They definitely need some shelter from the sun where summertime weather is very warm. In deciduous varieties, remove some of the older wood from the base annually to rejuvenate the plant.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 254, Clethra
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