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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 -
Height2.5m (8ft) -
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) -
Partial shadeOr dappled shade.
CLETHRA alnifolia
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Additional Features
Good to knowWildlife plant - insects, butterflies. Remove some of the old wood from the base in winter leaving the strongest suckers as replacement growth
Pests & DiseasesNone.
Place of originEastern USA. -
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 margin
Serrulate(see photos above) -
Pruning group
Pruning 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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Wildlife
Bee friendlyButterfly friendly
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Clethra - Growing Guide
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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
Gift-wrapping available
£16.50 each
CLETHRA alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
blue green foliage and rich pink flowers
Useful extras...
Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00
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
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
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
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