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CLETHRA
Commonly known as Summer sweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
The fruit which gives this shub its common name though pepper-like is not suitable for culinary use.
Grown for their fragrant, bell- to cup-shaped flowers.
Genus of more than 60 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, from woodland, swamps and rocky places in eastern Asia and North America, with one species from Madeira (C. arborea).
Further Reading....
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Semi-evergreenKeeps some of its foliage all year, and will drop some leaves as well.Oval, mid green leaves to 10cm (4in) long
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White -
Height2.5-3.5m (8-12ft) -
Spread1.2-2m (4-6½ft)
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Tall ShrubOr small tree
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winterHardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F) -
Full sun -
Partial shade
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Additional Features
Good to knowWildlife plant - insects
Pests & DiseasesNone
Place of originMexico -
Flower ShapeRacemes
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Leaf margin
Serrulate(see photos above) -
Leaf shape
Lanceolate
(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 flowersCinnamon perfumed
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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
Clethra - Growing Guide
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2.5-3.5m (8-12ft)
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1.2-2m (4-6½ft) |
Buy Varieties of CLETHRA
CLETHRA alnifolia
Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
white scented species
Gift-wrapping available
£16.50 each
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
CLETHRA barbinervis
Japanese clethra
long racemes of white flowers and good autumn colour
Gift-wrapping available
£30.00 each
CLETHRA delavayi
Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush
white flowers from pink buds in dense terminal racemes from late summer to autumn
CLETHRA tomentosa 'Cottondale'
Summer sweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
US species with long tapering racemes of flowers. Suckers are produced from the base of the plant to create a spreading clump
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
