Clethra barbinervis, commonly known as Japanese Clethra, is a deciduous shrub native to the cool temperate forests of East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It typically grows to about 3 meters (9.8 feet) in height. Japanese Clethra has a distinctive appearance with its dark green leaves that are roughly 5 cm (2 inches) long, and its exfoliating bark that reveals a striking, blackish-brown inner bark on mature specimens. From late summer to autumn, it produces racemes of small, fragrant, white flowers that are about 15 cm (6 inches) long, attracting pollinators and adding ornamental value to the garden.

Japanese Clethra is valued for its fragrant flowers, attractive peeling bark, and the ability to thrive in a range of conditions, including cooler climates. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. Commonly used in woodland gardens, as a specimen plant, or in borders, it provides multi-season interest. While it prefers full sun to part shade, Japanese Clethra is adaptable to various light conditions and can handle medium to high water requirements. It is best suited to soils with slow to medium drainage. Gardeners should provide a sheltered location to protect it from harsh winds in colder regions.CC BY-SA 4.0