Product Details
Extra-large white flowers and compact size are outstanding features of this improved Clethra alnifolia Vanilla Spice® variety. Individual florets are about twice the usual size, blooming in 10–12" bottlebrush-like panicles. Their sweet fragrance attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant makes an excellent choice for the woodland garden or a mixed border. A Proven Winners®/Color Choice® variety. 'Caleb' PP 21,589
The genus comprises about 30 species of small trees and shrubs native to the Americas and eastern Asia. Only a few are hardy, and those, including our East Coast native C. alnifolia, are known for their spikes of fragrant flowers in white or pink. Few ornamental shrubs bloom as late in the season—its buds wait until late July to open.
Clethra is amazingly adaptable, growing equally well in full sun or partial shade, and in moist conditions or dry (evenly moist soil is required in the South). It's an excellent choice for the natural garden or a mixed border and is essential in any low, wet spot.
For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.
Shipping
HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED
The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.
WHEN WE SHIP
We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.
OUR GUARANTEE
We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.
Reviews
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Favorite little shrub 
A viewer from Westchester County
I do have a couple of notes: They leaf out a bit later than most plants (usually by mid-May) but they get bushy fairly quickly. And, while Clethra Anifolia are generally deer- and rabbit-resistant, they will potentially receive some damage if critters find them. There's a neighborhood rabbit who likes to take down and snack on the thinner stems of one shrub, usually during late winter, and deer have nibbled on younger plants, so some protection may be needed. They bounce back nicely, though, and are absolutely worth growing.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
Disappointingly little flowers despite good care in the first year 
A viewer from Connecticut
Excited to see
A viewer from Boston, MA
37 of 38 people found this review helpful. Do you? yes no Certified buyer
Growing guide
Latin Name Pronunciation: kleth'ruh
Grow Clethra in full sun or partial shade (protection from the afternoon sun is required in the South). Native to wet soils, but also tolerates dry soils in the North (and every kind in between). Evenly moist soil is required in the South and West.
Not fussy about soil pH, as long as it is not highly alkaline. Plants tend to sucker (produce new shoots) from the base, eventually forming dense thickets.
Clethra blooms on the current season's growth. Prune as required in late winter.
