Jamesia americana aka Cliff Jamesia

Jamesia americana, or cliffbush, belongs to the hydrangea family. This shrub is native to west-central North America. Its range extends into northeastern Mexico. It grows in temperate regions and sheds its leaves each year. Its bushy form can be round or more upright. White flowers, textured leaves, and peeling bark give it interest.

Sources give a range of sizes. Virginia Tech puts its height at about 4 feet [1.2 metres]. The RHS gives a garden range of 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. This range covers both height and width. Its short account gives a height near 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The RHS says plants reach full size in 10–20 years. These figures suggest leaving room for a broad, full-grown shrub.

Leaves grow in pairs, across from each other on thin stems. Each leaf is simple, with one egg-shaped blade. Coarse teeth line its edge. The top is green, with veins set into its surface. Dense pale hairs cover the underside. Virginia Tech gives a leaf length up to 1.5 inches. The RHS reports leaves about 3 inches long. Young twigs have some hairs. Their colour ranges from red-brown to orange-brown. A woolly white coat covers the buds. Older bark can turn gray and peel in thin strips.

Small white flowers grow in groups at branch tips. Some have a pink tint, and their scent is light. Virginia Tech says they bloom in midsummer. The RHS calls the flower groups panicles, or branched clusters. Each bloom is about half an inch across or a little less. Dry brown capsules form after the flowers. These fruits ripen in early fall. They may have a downy surface and stay through winter.

Grow cliffbush in full sun and rich soil that drains well. The RHS lists both sandy and loamy soils as suitable. The soil can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Choose a spot with shelter, such as a south-facing or west-facing border. Its RHS hardiness rating is H6. This covers lows near −20 to −15°C.

Suggested sites include gardens near the coast and cottage gardens. Flower beds and borders beside walls are other options. The RHS reports few problems with pests or disease. Use greenwood cuttings to grow new plants in early summer. Semi-ripe cuttings are another option in late summer.