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VANILLA SPICE®

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia

'Caleb'

USPP 21,589; CBR 4167

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Vanilla Spice Clethra in landscape Close up of two Vanilla Spice Clethra flowers Size comparison of Vanilla Spice Clethra with pencil Bloom comparison of Vanilla Spice Clethra with dime YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Supersized flowers
  • Native to North America
  • Fragrant
Description

Supersized blooms! Vanilla Spice® clethra is a delightful, deer resistant native plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Glossy dark green leaves set off the pure white summer flowers, which emit a sweet fragrance reminscent of root beer. Selected especially for its extra large flowers - individual florets are roughly double the size of other varieties.

Awards
MOBOT Tried and True
USDA Zone
4 - 9 (-30°F/-34.4°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 6'
Width
3 - 6'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Grows well in moist and even wet soil though it will tolerate some dryness once established. Prefers soil pH on the acidic side.

Pruning

If pruning is desired, do so in early spring, when the new growth begins to appear on the stems.

Uses

Foundation plantings; mixed borders; wildlife gardens; naturalizing.

Growing Tips

Clethra is a reliable choice for flowering in shaded conditions, though flowering, fragrance, and fall color are all at their best with at least a few hours of sun each day.

  • Tag: Vanilla Spice® Clethra
  • Grower Sheet: Vanilla Spice® Clethra grower sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week August 27, 2020
  • Spec Sheet: Vanilla Spice® Clethra spec sheet
  • Benchcard: Vanilla Spice® Clethra benchcard
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

    • Features: Attracts pollinators, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Clay soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Clethra, Common name: Summersweet, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Attracts pollinators, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Clay soil, Salt tolerant

    Filters: Botanical genus: Clethra, Common name: Summersweet, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage