CLETHRA alnifolia

Commonly known as Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder

White scented species
Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
    Oval, mid-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
  • White
  • Height
    2.5m (8ft)
  • Spread
    2.5m (8ft)
  • Medium shrub
    Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height
    Upright, suckering shrub
  • Hardy - cold winter
    Hardy 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)
  • Partial shade
    Or dappled shade.

CLETHRA alnifolia

 
  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Wildlife plant - insects, butterflies. Remove some of the old wood from the base in winter leaving the strongest suckers as replacement growth
    Pests & Diseases
    None.
    Place of origin
    Eastern USA.
  • Flower Shape
    Bell/Lantern
    Bell-shaped flowers to 1cm (½in) across
    Racemes
    Dense, upright, terminal racemes to 15cm (6in) long
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf margin
    Serrulate
    (see photos above)
  • Pruning group
    Pruning group 1
    Suitable 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.

  • Scented Plants
    Scented flowers
  • Seasonal Interest
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Acid / ericaceous loving
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Humus-rich.
  • Wildlife
    Bee friendly
    Butterfly friendly
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2.5m (8ft)
Medium Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  2.5m (8ft)
 

Buy Varieties of CLETHRA alnifolia

CLETHRA alnifolia 'Pink Spires'

CLETHRA alnifolia 'Pink Spires'

Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder

delicate pink form

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
£16.50 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant
 AWARD
CLETHRA alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

CLETHRA alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder

blue green foliage and rich pink flowers

 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant - UK Delivery Only Gift-wrapping available
£17.50 each 
Gift Wrapping available on this plant

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