Japanese clethra
Clethra barbinervis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size10 to 20 feet tall10 to 15 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Japanese clethra (Clethra barbinervis) is a shrub for borders, pollinator gardens, shade gardens, and privacy screens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Butterflies and bees visit its fragrant white flowers. It grows fast, forms a dense shape, and tolerates salt.
Pairs well with Oakleaf hydrangea, Autumn fern, and Bottlebrush buckeye.
Native range
North America.