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[SG] clethra

Greetings all:

I don't recall seeing anything on this list about Clethra, so I'll promote
one of my favorite shrubs that is excellent for shade gardens -- even heavy
shade and in wet locations.

Clethra (common name "summersweet") grows in zones 3 to 9. It has attractive
dark green leaves, grows 3 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, depending on
variety. What makes this shrub a standout is the fragrance of its blossoms;
the scent will knock your socks off! Another Clethra bonus: it blooms in a
period when few other shrubs are flowering (usually 6 weeks beginning in
mid- to late July and continuing through August).

In autumn, the show continues with attractive foliage -- yellow turning to
rich golden brown. In my east central Iowa site, the "turn" starts in early
to mid-October.

Clethra does well in acid soil supplemented with organic matter. It grows
naturally in wet places, withstands salty conditions of the seashore, and,
though it suckers, does not grow out of bounds.

Clethra is simple to grow. It is not a dirty shrub such as Weigela. It is
virtually pest-free, although mite damage may occur in dry seasons (when you
should water well).

My favorite is C. Paniculata. Mine is in its fourth year; it is about 4 feet
tall and 3-4 feet around. It is planted by our deck so we can enjoy its
fragrant blossoms on gentle summer breezes.

Blossoms are pure white, 1/3 inch across on 3/4 inch wide upright panicled
racemes. Blooms are produced on new growth; I prune in early spring to tidy
up the shrub and to promote new growth.

I also have a smaller cultivar, Pink Spires, which produces soft pink
flowers opening from pink to rose buds.

There are several varieties ranging from small to large in size. Flowers are
either white, pink or rose. Unfortunately, Clethra is difficult to find (at
least this is my experience after gardening in three zones). Many garden
centers and nurseries that offer "tried and true" plants have little or no
supplies of Clethra.

Propagation is easy. Cuttings taken in mid- to late July root readily in
sand, perlite or peat without treatment (though a rooting hormone will
hasten rooting). The rooting period generally is 2-3 weeks. Seed can be sown
when ripe; stratification is not required.

Make your garden (and patio or deck) sweeter in late summer by planting
Clethra.

John G. Adney
Freelance Writer/Editor/Horticulturist
Marion, Iowa (on the line of zones 4-5 in east central Iowa)
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