Clethra alnifolia 'Vanilla Spice’

Clethra alnifolia 'Vanilla Spice’: Fragrance That Fills the Garden

An exceptional summersweet selection, 'Vanilla Spice' features the largest flower spikes in the genus—dense, white, and powerfully fragrant. Blooming from mid to late summer, this compact cultivar draws pollinators in abundance and adds heady perfume to shaded or moist borders. Glossy green foliage turns warm golden yellow in fall, adding a second season of interest to this well-behaved, deer-resistant shrub.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm (4–5 ft)
• Spread: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to late summer
• Foliage: Glossy green; turns yellow in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, acidic, well-drained; tolerant of wet soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Vanilla Spice' is perfect for foundation beds, rain gardens, woodland edges, or anywhere a midsummer fragrant highlight is needed. Its adaptability to sun or shade and tolerance for damp conditions make it a reliable performer in both designed and naturalistic spaces. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, but unbothered by deer.

Care Instructions: Plant in rich, moist, acidic soil and water regularly during establishment. Thrives in partial shade but flowers best with some sun. Prune immediately after blooming if shaping is needed. No routine fertilization required in well-prepared soils.

History: Developed by Proven Winners® for improved flower size and performance, 'Vanilla Spice' stands out among summersweets for its showy blooms and refined garden habit. A cold-hardy native cultivar with strong pollinator appeal and ornamental value.

Final Thoughts: With its supersized floral display and unforgettable fragrance, 'Vanilla Spice' adds elegance and pollinator charm to any late-summer garden.