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Clethra alnifolia

Clethra alnifolia
Panicled White Alder, Sweet Pepper Bush

5,0/5
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Beautiful young plant, well packaged in its parcel. Very pleased with my purchase, hoping it settles in and thrives.

DUONG TU, 26/09/2023

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
Woodland shrub, compact, appreciated for its late flowering in paniculate clusters of small fragrant white flowers and its golden yellow foliage in autumn.
Flower size
15 cm
Height at maturity
2 m
Spread at maturity
2 m
Exposure
Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time September to October
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Description

The Clethra alnifolia is a bush of the undergrowth, compact, appreciated for its late flowering in clusters of small scented white flowers and its golden yellow foliage in autumn.

 

Originally from the eastern United States, this sucker-forming bush forms a compact, upright habit, reaching a height of 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) to 2.50m. It bears obovate leaves, deciduous, glossy, alternate, serrated that are 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 in) long, tender green when ripe and golden yellow in autumn. In September, it produces beautiful clusters of flowers of 8 to 15 cm (3.1 to 5.9 in) high, formed by small campanulate flowers, white, downy and highly fragrant.

Hardy down to -15°C (5 °F), the Clethra alnifolia grows in fresh, light, well-drained, acidic soil in a semi-shaded position. The addition of leaf mould at planting is necessary. It can also be grown in ericaceous soil. Remove faded flowers and, in winter, remove old stems.

The Clethra alnifolia is ideal in ericaceous soil flower beds or at the base of large deciduous trees. It also tolerates growing in a pot, making it suitable for filling a terrace or patio.

Clethra alnifolia in pictures

Clethra alnifolia (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 2 m
Spread at maturity 2 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time September to October
Flower size 15 cm
Fragrance Very fragrant
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Clethra

Species

alnifolia

Family

Clethraceae

Other common names

Panicled White Alder, Sweet Pepper Bush

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

The Clethra alnifolia, hardy up to -15°C (5 °F), is preferably planted in spring, in fresh, light, well-drained, acidic soil in semi-shaded position. Adding leaf mould at planting is necessary. It can also be grown in ericaceous soil. Remove faded flowers and, in winter, remove old stems. It is naturally resistant to diseases and parasites.

Planting period

Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, well-drained

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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