Clethra can be really slow to leaf out in the spring. I think mine were not fully leafed until about the middle of May last year (Minneapolis). If the stems are flexible and still green I wouldn't give up on it yet.

Thank you ginkgonut. I watered it a bit and resisted the temptation to dig around the roots for a peek. Fingers crossed.

Second year for mine and I am just starting to see some life. First year I thought mine was dead also. I cut a low growing branch to see if it was green and sure enought it was alive but it is very slow to wake up. Be patient!

Mine *just* started to leaf out also. First year I had it so I thought it was dead too. I broke a tiny twig, saw green and apologized to it. LOL

Okay, it's officially a false alarm! Today I found the tiniest of leaf buds. It's really amazing how tall some plants are getting while the clethra sleeps. Thank you for the reassurances, everyone.

YAY! Admit it, you almost did a happy-dance. LOL ;)

Oh, yes, there was some dancing here. :-p