Hairyvein clethra Plant Care

Hairyvein clethra (Clethra barbinervis) belongs to the Clethraceae family within the Clethra genus. Hairyvein clethra is native to eastern Asia.

Hairyvein clethra displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Hairyvein clethra produces fragrant white or pink bottlebrush-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hairyvein clethra every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Hairyvein clethra thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Clethra barbinervis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Hairyvein clethra prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Moist, acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hairyvein clethra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hairyvein clethra every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and moist, acidic, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hairyvein clethra is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Hairyvein clethra can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Hairyvein clethra while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Hairyvein clethra is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Hairyvein clethra can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sweet pepperbush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Hairyvein clethra is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Hairyvein clethra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hairyvein clethra is native to eastern Asia. In cooler regions, grow Hairyvein clethra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.