Vanilla Spice® Summersweet

Introducing the Vanilla Spice® Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), an enchanting native shrub that blooms with extra-large, fragrant white flowers during the summer. These blooms aren't just a treat for the eyes; their sweet scent is a delightful aroma that's best enjoyed near patios and decks during the mid-summer season.

Uniquely, the Vanilla Spice® stands out from other varieties with its significantly larger individual florets, approximately double the size of typical summersweets. This dense, deciduous shrub typically grows between 3-6 feet, occasionally reaching up to 8 feet. Its upright panicles showcase the flowers, which later give way to dark brown seed capsules that can persist into winter, adding interest even in colder months.

The beauty of the Vanilla Spice® extends to its foliage, boasting glossy dark green leaves that turn into alluring shades of yellow to golden brown in the fall. The mature stems, with their scaly dark gray to brown-black bark, further enhance its visual appeal.

However, it's not just the sight and scent that make this plant special. The Vanilla Spice® Summersweet is a beacon for wildlife, attracting butterflies and bees with its fragrant flowers, and songbirds with its seeds. Furthermore, its resilient nature makes it  ideal for mixed borders and naturalizing, especially in wet and semi-shady sites.

Elevate your garden experience with the Vanilla Spice® Summersweet, a symphony of fragrance, beauty, and nature's attraction.

Proven Winners® Vanilla Spice® Clethra alnifolia 'Caleb' USPP 21,589, Can 4,167