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CLETHRA alnifolia
Commonly known as Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder
White scented species
Further Reading....
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Deciduous - oval, mid-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long.
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White -
Height - 2.5m (8ft) -
Spread - 2.5m (8ft)
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Medium shrub - Typically grow to around 4-6 feet in height - upright, suckering shrub
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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. -
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
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Racemes - dense, upright, terminal racemes to 15cm (6in) long
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Hardiness - Fully hardy -
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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.
RHS group 1 -
Scented Plants - Scented flowers -
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Seasonal Interest - Summer -
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Soil Conditions - Acid / ericaceous loving -
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Fertile moist well-drained soil - humus-rich.
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Wildlife - Bee friendly - -
Butterfly friendly
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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' >
Commonly known as: Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder.
Delicate pink form
CLETHRA alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' >
Commonly known as: 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)
2 options from £6.00
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 £10.20
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 £10.20
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