Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'
white alder 'Hummingbird'
A compact shrub that earns its place in the garden when many summer flowers are are starting to fade, producing a generous display of fragrant white flower spikes from mid to late summer.
The flowers have a soft, feathery appearance and release a sweet clove-like scent, making them especially enjoyable near a path or seating area. Glossy dark green leaves form a neat backdrop before turning warm yellow in autumn.
With its manageable size and preference for moist, acidic soil, Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' is a particularly useful choice for woodland-style borders and partially shaded gardens.
The flowers have a soft, feathery appearance and release a sweet clove-like scent, making them especially enjoyable near a path or seating area. Glossy dark green leaves form a neat backdrop before turning warm yellow in autumn.
With its manageable size and preference for moist, acidic soil, Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' is a particularly useful choice for woodland-style borders and partially shaded gardens.
How to care for Clethra alnifolia Hummingbird:
Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Add plenty of well-rotted organic matter when planting and mulch annually to help retain moisture.
Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells and while the plant is becoming established, as it does not cope well with dry soil conditions.
Pruning is rarely necessary, but in late winter or early spring remove dead, damaged or weak stems and cut out some of the oldest growth at the base to encourage fresh shoots. Lightly shorten any overlong stems to maintain its compact shape, but avoid hard pruning as this can reduce flowering.
Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during dry spells and while the plant is becoming established, as it does not cope well with dry soil conditions.
Pruning is rarely necessary, but in late winter or early spring remove dead, damaged or weak stems and cut out some of the oldest growth at the base to encourage fresh shoots. Lightly shorten any overlong stems to maintain its compact shape, but avoid hard pruning as this can reduce flowering.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.1m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
