Clethra alnifolia 'Vanilla Spice' is a fragrant summer blooming shrub prized for its extra large white flower spikes and ability to thrive in wet or shaded areas. Its glossy green foliage holds late into the fall extending the season of interest. Native to the eastern U.S., this cultivar offers improved floral display and a more compact habit than the species making it ideal for mixed borders, rain gardens, and wildlife plantings.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 ft x 3 - 5 ft
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet, acidic soils
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Occasionally browsed
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from the native species Clethra alnifolia, which is indigenous to eastern North America and commonly found in swampy woods, stream banks, and wet thickets.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bumblebees, sweat bees, and honeybees seeking nectar and pollen during midsummer gaps in bloom.
Butterflies
- Visited by Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Red Admirals, and hairstreaks feeding on its fragrant white flowers.
Birds
- Seed capsules are consumed by small songbirds such as chickadees and goldfinches in fall and winter.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides floral resources to predatory wasps and syrphid flies which help control garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 36 - 60 in apart to allow for mature spread and optimal flowering density.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for rain gardens, naturalized woodland borders, foundation plantings, and pollinator hedges in consistently moist sites.
Companion Plants
- Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) - Tall vase shaped fronds complement Clethra’s upright form and share its moisture loving habitat.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' - Late season golden plumes support pollinators and visually extend the blooming period near Clethra.
- Itea virginica 'Little Henry' - Compact form and white flower spikes echo Clethra’s bloom while extending interest with brilliant fall foliage.
- Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) - Forms grassy mounds that thrive in similar wet soils and offer textural contrast below the shrub canopy.
- Amsonia hubrichtii - Fine textured foliage and pale blue flowers contrast the bold summer blooms of Clethra and turn brilliant gold in fall.