Clethra alnifolia Anne Bidwell

The Clethra alnifolia 'Anne Bidwell' is a variety appreciated for its numerous and large white and then cream spikes in late summer, slightly scented with aniseed and almond! Its bright flowering contrasts beautifully with its dark green, shiny foliage and reddish stems ! It is a small bush with a particularly erect habit, adapted to less sunny locations and cool, well-drained and acidic soils. Its leaves, similar to those of alders, turn a decorative bright yellow in autumn. Use this shrub to decorate flowerbeds or as a standalone plant, in shaded areas or smaller gardens.

Clethra alnifolia is a small shrub that grows spontaneously in the swamp forests of the eastern coast of the United States. It forms a small dense, wide, rounded, and slightly spreading bush, 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) to 3 m (9 ft 10 in) tall. 

The 'Anne Bidwell' variety is a version of the Alder-leaved Clethra with large white and then cream spikes, particularly numerous in August. It forms a small bush about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall and 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) wide, with an upright and bushy silhouette. When it likes its environment, it spreads through suckers to form small groves. Its multiple and upright branches bear deciduous foliage consisting of fine ovate, dentate and glabrous leaves with strongly marked veins. They appear late in spring in shades of yellow-green and then light green when mature. In autumn, the shrub turns a decorative intense yellow before the foliage falls.

The Alder-leaved Clethra 'Anne Bidwell' stands out for its abundant, large, white turning cream blooms. In July and August, the shrub is covered with numerous upright white spikes 20 to 25 cm (7.9 to 9.8 in) long. Its spiky flowers are comprise small bell-shaped flowers with feathery stamens that open from bottom to top along the cluster. The flowering of this delicately scented dwarf clethra attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees beneficial to biodiversity in the garden! The flowers then give rise to small fruits in the form of brown capsules in September. This decorative fruiting persists on the shrub until winter and provides a valuable food source for birds.

Due to its origins, Clethra alnifolia appreciates shaded locations and cool, rich, loose soil with an acidic tendency. It is averse to high temperatures and drought, therefore, it can only be planted in full sun in moderately warm summer climates. While Alder-leaved Clethras tolerate full shade, their growth may be slower and their flowering less abundant. Very resistant to diseases and hardy (can withstand temperatures of at least -15°), this Clethra is easy to grow and will offer all its splendour with minimal care!

In a small garden, Clethra alnifolia 'Anne Bidwell' can be planted as a standalone plant and enliven the space with its exceptional flowering and beautiful autumn colours. This attractive small shrub will also find its place in a bed of acid-loving plants associated with the ENCORE Lily Azalea, an Early Sensation Hydrangea paniculata, or the Camellia sasanqua Choji Guruma to spread and vary the blooms. The Alder-leaved Clethra can also be used in a low hedge, combined with shrubs with decorative foliage. Its suckers make it highly appreciated for stabilising sloping soils, it will easily find its place on a slope, in damp areas, and will develop into a small grove. Its small size allows it to be grown in containers to decorate terraces and balconies, provided that it is watered regularly. Don't hesitate to plant it near a living or thoroughfare area to enjoy its delicate spicy fragrance!