Species Japanese clethra
light-yellow flowers, lime-green buds and dark-green leaves with light-green veins on lime-green stems

Japanese clethra

Clethra barbinervis

Also Known As - Chinese summersweet
Japanese Clethra is an amazing deciduous shrub species that is native to Japan. It is known for its sweetly scented white flowers, which bloom in July and August. Its glossy green leaves turn yellow and orange in the fall, creating an attractive show in the autumn. This species is hardy in both sun and part shade and only needs light pruning for maintenance. It is also disease and insect resistant, making it an easy-care addition to any landscape. Japanese Clethra also attracts birds, butterflies and other pollinators to its sweetly scented flowers. Its interestingly textured leaves and vibrant fall foliage are sure to add to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Greenwood Cuttings,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Japanese clethra (Clethra barbinervis) is a vase shaped, deciduous shrub that prefers moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered right after planting and once every 7 to 10 days for the first few months. Thereafter, water once every 2-3 weeks during the warm months, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During the winter months, water only if the soil appears dry.

sunlight

Japanese clethras typically prefer bright filtered light or partial shade for best leaf coloration and flowering. 6 or more hours of sunlight per day (during the peak of summer) is optimal, however they also grow well in light shade, where they receive 3-6 hours per day. Excessively shady spots may slow their growth rate, reduce flower production, and cause leaves to become pale or yellow.

pruning

When it comes to pruning Japanese clethra (Clethra barbinervis) most gardeners recommend pruning in the winter, when the tree is dormant. Pruning should be minimal, and only necessary to remove diseased, damaged, or dead branches and to maintain the desired size and shape. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts. Additionally, it is important to avoid pruning too much as this may lead to diminished flowering and decreased health of the shrub.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Clethra barbinervis (Japanese clethra) typically begins in July and ends in September.

Starts Flowering

Japanese clethra typically start flowering in July.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Clethra barbinervis (Japanese clethra) typically begins in July and ends in September.

Hardiness Map