Sweet pepperbush
Clethra Alnifolia
Small undergrowth (Clethra alnifolia) is a charming small shrub native to the eastern United States, still rare in European gardens. It is prized for its fragrant summer flowers and beautiful autumn color.
Description
Height at maturity
2,50 m
Wingspan at maturity
2,50 m
Exposure
Sun, partial shade
Flowering
July to September
Hardiness
-25°C
Origin
United States
Clethra alnifolia – Sweet pepperbush
Origins and characteristics
Native to moist woodland areas of the northeastern United States, Clethra alnifolia belongs to the Clethraceae family.
Its compact habit, deliciously fragrant flowers and bright autumn foliage make it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and acid‑loving plantings.
Description and particularities
- Adult height : 1.20 to 2 metres
- Spread : 1 to 1.50 metres
- Habit : Bushy, upright, slightly spreading
- Foliage : Deciduous, glossy dark green, turning golden yellow in autumn
- Flowering : July to September
- Flowers : Small white (sometimes pink‑tinged) flowers in upright spikes, very fragrant
- Fragrance : Sweet, intense and very pleasant
- Hardiness : Excellent (down to –25 °C)
Exposure and soil
- Exposure : Partial shade preferred; tolerates gentle sun in cool climates
- Soil : Acid to neutral, rich, humus‑based, fresh but well‑drained
- Tolerances : Does not tolerate chalky soils; enjoys moist but not waterlogged ground
Planting
- Spacing : 80 cm to 1 metre
- Preparation : Mix ericaceous soil and compost to encourage growth
Watering
- After planting : Regular watering to maintain soil moisture
- Later : Water during dry spells; mulch to retain moisture
Pruning
- When? : Late winter or early spring
- How? :
- Light pruning to remove dead wood and maintain shape
- Since it flowers on new wood, avoid hard pruning before flowering
Propagation
- Seed : Rarely used
- Cuttings : Semi‑ripe cuttings in summer
- Suckers : Possible on older, vigorous plants
Garden uses
Ideal for :
- Shaded borders under deciduous trees
- Cool, moist shaded edges
- Acid‑soil gardens with azaleas, camellias or dogwoods
- Container growing on shaded terraces
Disease resistance
- Robust shrub, little prone to disease
- Watch for : prolonged drought may cause premature leaf yellowing
Tips for good development
- Plant in humus‑rich, fresh, well‑drained soil
- Mulch to maintain constant root moisture
- Add organic matter in spring to support flowering
- Avoid harsh direct sun in hot climates
Clethra alnifolia, with its exquisite bloom and luminous foliage, is a charming shrub for natural, fragrant and elegant garden settings.
Features
- Common name : Sweet pepperbush
- Family : Cléthraceae
- Category : shrub
- Spread : 2,50 m
- Foliage : deciduous
- Color of flowers : white
- Use : isolated - shruberrty - undergrowth.
- Soil : well drained - acid
- Habit : upright
- Earth to use : heath earth/compost/peat
- Enemies : nothing to report
- Possible diseases : resistant to diseases
Expédition & livraison
How does the delivery work?
As soon as you place your order your plants are selected
Each order is processed individually.
Plants are packed, staked and labeled.
Packaging is carefully implemented to avoid any problems.
Packages are ready to be shipped.
Our delivery methods
Shipping of our plants throughout Europe (except overseas and islands).
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