Clethra barbinervis

Family: Clethraceae

What it is like

Clethra barbinervis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Wooded hills and mountains all over Japan. In sunny deciduous forests on mountains, more or less stony and dry places at elevations of 1000 - 1500 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - cooked. Eaten with rice dishes.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a moist well-drained lime-free peaty soil succeeding in a sunny position or partial shade. Plants are hardy to about -20°c according to one report, this conflicts with another report that says it only succeeds outdoors in Britain from Sussex and westwards. A third report says that the plant is generally hardy but sometimes fails in very cold districts of Britain. The new growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by late frosts. The flowers are fragrant. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and keep the pot moist. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 13°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out once they are more than 20cm tall in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Root cuttings in December/January. Suckers in the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required. Layering of current years growth in late autumn. Takes 18 months. Can also be done in early spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. canescens. C. kawadana. C. repens.