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CLETHRA tomentosa 'Cottondale'
Commonly known as 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
Further Reading....
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Deciduousglossy, dark green leaves 8-10cm (3-4in) long turning yellow in autumn
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White
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Height2m (6½ft)
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Spread2m (6½ft)
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Hardy - average winterHardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)
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Full sun
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Partial shade
CLETHRA tomentosa 'Cottondale'
- Details
- Description
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesPests & DiseasesTrouble freePlace of originUSA. Garden origin
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Flower ShapeBell/LanternBell-shaped flowers to 1cm (½in) acrossRacemes
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf marginSerrulate
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeLanceolate
(see photos above) Oblong(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 InterestAutumnSummer
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WildlifeBee friendlyButterfly friendly
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Clethra - Growing Guide
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