University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Shrubs for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/shrubselector
Summersweet Clethra
Clethra alnifolia
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Summersweet Clethra form
Size:
Size: small
Small
Size: medium
Medium

Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage


Mites can be a problem in dry sites.
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9 
Mature Height: 4-8 Feet
Mature Width: 4-10 Feet
Features: Fragrant white flowers in small spikes, July and August; crisp, dark green foliage in summer; autumn color is yellow to a mild orange.
Culture: Full sun to partial shade; prefers a moist to wet soil; tolerant of salt, compaction and some dryness; prefers slightly acid soil pH.
Cultivars:
  • 'Hokie Pink'- Pink flowers on a more compact plant
  • 'Hummingbird' - 2-3 feet tall, abundance of white flowers, yellow fall color\
  • 'Pink Spires' - 8 feet tall with pink flowers, dark green foliage and yellow fall color
  • 'Ruby Spice'- Rosy pink flowers, yellow fall color, 3-6 feet tall
  • 'Sixteen Candles'- White flowers, yellow fall color, 3-4 feet tall
Mature Form: Broad rounded to rounded, tends to sucker.
Native To: United States
Soil Conditions:
Soil condition: DryDry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Alkaline Soil
Tolerance: Dry SitesDry Sites
Tolerance: SaltSalt
Tolerance: Soil CompactionSoil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Barrier
Use for: Border.Border
Foundation
Hedge
Use for: Massing.Massing
Naturalizing
Screen
Use for: Specimen.Specimen
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Orange
Yellow
 
Additional Notes: