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Vanilla Spice® Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Caleb' (Vanilla Spice®)

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Summersweet

Vanilla Spice® Summersweet offers fragrant blooms and wildlife appeal, perfect for gardens and landscapes.

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Mature Height: 4-6 feet
Mature Width: 3-5 feet
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Summer
Light: Sun
Zone: Zones 3-9
Maintenance: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Summer
Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Vanilla Spice® Summersweet is a fragrant, deciduous shrub known for its attractive white flower spikes and sweet scent. It attracts pollinators and is ideal for moist, sunny locations.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture. Prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

Soil Preferences

Requires good drainage and moderate moisture; adaptable to various soil types with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.

Sun Needs

Sun

Watering Needs

Requires regular watering, especially during dry spells; prefers consistently moist soil.

Pruning Notes

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenpollinator gardenmass planting

Special Features

Fragrant flowersattractive foliagewildlife-friendly

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Tolerates humidity and clay soil.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for naturalizing and attracting pollinators. Consider grouping for a more impactful display.

Maintenance Notes

Moderate

Complementary Plants

Plants That Pair Well in the Landscape

Selected using botanical relationships, growing conditions, color harmony, size, texture, season, and landscape use.

What Clients Say

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“I have had great experiences with Bold Outdoors. Josh designed our home's landscaping and has been a valued partner for the past 7 years as we have added to and maintained our home's landscaping.”

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“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence.”

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vanilla Spice® Summersweet a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design plan.

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