Clethra, Vanilla Spice 18-24"

Vanilla Spice Clethra
Clethra alnifolia 'Vanilla Spice'

• Height: Typically 3–5 feet tall in Michigan’s climate
• Spread: About 3–4 feet wide
• Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart for a polished, satisfying display
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
• Deciduous
• Native

Description

Vanilla Spice Clethra brings a refreshing burst of interest with its large, white flower spikes that fill mid to late summer air with a sweet, captivating fragrance. This beautiful native shrub adds a fresh splash of blooms that attract butterflies, while its foliage can transition to a pleasing golden hue in the fall. The tidy, upright form makes a grand statement in mixed borders or foundation plantings, adding a stunning element of elegance to the landscape.

General Care

• Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade to full sun, requiring a minimum of 4–6 hours of direct light daily for the finest flowering.
• Soil: Prefers consistently moist, acidic, well-drained soil; incorporating organic matter helps improve both drainage and fertility.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during warm spells or while blooms are forming. Regular watering supports robust growth and abundant flowers.
• Mulching: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch aids in retaining moisture and moderating soil temperature; maintain a small gap around the stems for airflow.
• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering, if desired, helps maintain a tidy silhouette and encourages fresh growth the following season.

Vanilla Spice Clethra offers a magnificent blend of fresh fragrance and lovely summer blooms, creating a showstopper accent that enriches Michigan landscapes with its finest display of color and elegance.