Clethra Alinifolia Vanilla Spice Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Vanilla Spice,' commonly known as Summersweet, is a delightful deciduous shrub celebrated for its unique qualities. This shrub typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet, forming an elegant and compact mound of glossy, dark green foliage that offers an attractive backdrop for its main attraction: fragrant, bottlebrush-like spikes of creamy white flowers that bloom profusely in mid to late summer. What sets 'Vanilla Spice' apart is its sweet, vanilla-like fragrance that fills the air, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. This cultivar thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is highly adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Its compact size and captivating blooms make it an excellent choice for borders, woodland gardens, or as a focal point in smaller landscapes.