CLETHRA delavayi

Commonly known as Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush

White flowers from pink buds in dense terminal racemes from late summer to autumn
Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
    rich, blue-green leaves to 15cm (6in) long.
  • White
  • Height
    4m (13ft)
  • Spread
    4m (13ft)
  • Tall Shrub
    Erect shrub with arching shoots
  • 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 delavayi

 
  • Additional Features
    Good to know
    Wildlife plant - insects, butterflies.
    Pests & Diseases
    None.
    Place of origin
    Western China.
  • Flower Shape
    Cup-shaped
    Nodding, cup-shaped flowers 2cm (¾in) across
    Racemes
    Dense, terminal racemes to 25cm (10in) long
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Leaf margin
    Serrulate
    		(see photos above)
  • Leaf shape
    Lanceolate
    		(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.
  • 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
Clethra - Growing Guide
4m (13ft)
 Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  4m (13ft)
  

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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