Common White Alder Clethra fargesii

Chinese clethra is a deciduous shrub in the Clethraceae family native to China.  It grows to 10 feet in height with a 6 foot spread when mature.

It features a smooth, marbled brown to cinnamon bark that peels and delicate, heavily fragrent, flowers. The numerous white flowers on 5 to 7 inch panicles blossom in mid to late summer. The flowers contain high quality nectar and pollen that attracts butterflies and bees.  The plant has sharply serrated, lustrous, and dark green leaves that are 2 to 5 inches long that tend to be clustered at the ends of branches and produce a bronze-red to maroon fall color which will be a lovely addition to your garden.

Chinese clethra prefers partial shade, moist, organically rich, acidic, lime-free, and well-drained soil and does not tolerate dry summer heat and drought. In its native China, it can be found in woodlands and mountainous regions between 4000 and 7000 feet. The plant can be easily propagated from stem cuttings and suckers will tend to form colonies, making it an excellent hedge. The plant does tolerate pruning, but keep in mind that flowers will bloom on new growth.

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect problems. If sited in dry or hot locations, it can be susceptible to spider mites.