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CLETHRA alnifolia
Commonly known as Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
White scented species
Further Reading....
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DeciduousOval, mid-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
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White
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Height2.5m (8ft)
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Spread2.5m (8ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightUpright, suckering shrub
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Partial shadeOr dappled shade.
CLETHRA alnifolia
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowWildlife plant - insects, butterflies. Remove some of the old wood from the base in winter leaving the strongest suckers as replacement growthPests & DiseasesNone.Place of originEastern USA.
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Flower ShapeBell/LanternBell-shaped flowers to 1cm (½in) acrossRacemesDense, upright, terminal racemes to 15cm (6in) long
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrulate
(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 1Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
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Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Seasonal InterestSummer
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Soil ConditionsAcid / ericaceous lovingFertile moist well-drained soilHumus-rich.
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WildlifeBee friendlyButterfly friendly
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Clethra - Growing Guide
2.5m (8ft)
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2.5m (8ft) |
Buy Varieties of CLETHRA alnifolia
CLETHRA alnifolia 'Pink Spires'
Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
delicate pink form
CLETHRA alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
blue green foliage and rich pink flowers
Useful extras...
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
3 options from £3.00
Garden Goodies
Slate Tie-on Plant Labels
Hand made in Cornwall, these delightful natural slate labels are perfect for pots.
Comes with chalk pen. Pack of 5
Only £10.00
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50
Garden Goodies
Slate Plant Labels
These wonderfully tactile natural slate plant labels are hand made in Cornwall and come with a chalk pen.
Just stick them in your pot or border. Pack of 6.
Only £10.00