VANILLA SPICE®
Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia
'Caleb'
USPP 21,589; CBR 4167
- Supersized flowers
- Native to North America
- Fragrant
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
General Care
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.
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