A quite rare and rather tender shrub from NE Mexico, Clethra pringlei is a large, slow-growing, broad-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree. The broad, fleshy leaves emerge bronze, gradually turning deep green. Long, showy racemes of white, sometimes pink, blossom, strongly scented of cinnamon and attractive to butterflies, appear in summer. Mexican clethra must have lime-free soil, and as it is both large and half-hardy, it can be quite challenging to grow, especially in colder areas.
Site: Sheltered Soils: Consistently moist but well-drained, acidic soil Position: Sun or partial shade Season of interest: All year Hardiness: Half-hardy Height to 12’ (3.6m) Spread to 7’ (2m)
