Clethra Duo

This Clethra duo enhances a large ericaceous area or the base of large deciduous trees in the undergrowth in cool and acidic soil. It combines two varieties of a deciduous bush with a bushy habit and suckering stump, which flowers in September-October. Their flowering forms 8 to 15-cm clusters composed of small fluffy and highly fragrant flowers, white or pink, depending on the plant. Their foliage turns golden yellow in autumn before falling. Hardy to at least -20 °C, they also adapt to container cultivation, like camellias and rhododendrons.

It consists of:

1 Clethra alnifolia: native to the undergrowth of the eastern United States, this bush reaches about 2 m in all directions. Its flowering is pure white.

1 Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice': This compact variety reaches about 1 m in all directions and offers distinctly pink flowers, unlike the white flowers of the species.

With its bushy silhouette and fragrant spike-like flowering, Clethra brings a touch of exoticism to cool and slightly shaded areas of the garden, often lacking in flowers at the end of summer. Its autumn foliage in shades of brown enlivens the undergrowth at the end of the season. The Clethras in this duo appreciate the same conditions as rhododendrons and autumn camellias, with which they form beautiful combinations. Plant them in partial shade, humus-bearing, non-limestone soil that remains slightly moist in summer. Mulch, if necessary, in summer to save on watering and maintain freshness. Place the smaller 'Ruby Spice' variety before the white-flowered species. Maintain a spacing of 1.50 m between the two Clethras or between different bushes in your bed.

Pot cultivation: if you have alkaline soil, these heathland shrubs are ideal. Choose a pot 2 to 4 times larger than the size of your root ball. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom. Place clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot. Position your root ball so that the bush collar is level with the soil's surface. Fill the pot with 1/3 ericaceous soil, 1/3 compost, and 1/3 garden soil. Place your pot in shade or partial shade. A few hours of sunlight per day is sufficient.