Clethra Alnifolia
Clethra Alnifolia

Clethra Alnifolia – 5 Litre

£19.99

Out of stock

SKU: clethra-alnifolia Category:
Common Name: Sweet Pepper Bush
Size: 5 litre
Hardiness: H5
Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees ˚C) are shown in brackets

  • H1a: under glass all year (>15˚C)
  • H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15 ˚C)
  • H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10 ˚C)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5 ˚C)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1 ˚C)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5 ˚C)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10 ˚C)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15 ˚C)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20 ˚C)
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5 Litre Pot

  • Position: Full/Partial Shade
  • Soil: Moist but well drained
  • Growth rate: Average
  • Flowering period: Summer and Autumn
  • Hardiness: H5
  • Eventual height: 1.5-2.5m
  • Eventual spread: 1.5-2.5m

Clethra Alnifolia, also known as the ‘Sweet Pepperbush’ or ‘Summer Sweet’, is a beautiful and hardy deciduous shrub native to North America. With its delicate, white spikes of fragrant flowers and glossy green foliage, it is a popular choice for adding colour and interest to gardens in the UK, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden. It is also a valuable source of food for wildlife, particularly in the Autumn when the leaves turn golden yellow and the berries ripen.

How to care for your Clethra Alnifolia

  • Light: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so it’s best to plant it in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Watering: It is drought tolerant, but it’s still important to keep the soil consistently moist. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to over-water it. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
  • Soil: It is tolerant to a wide range of soil types, from acidic to neutral. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, it’s a good idea to amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
  • Fertiliser: Feed the plant with a balanced fertiliser once a month during the growing season.
  • Pruning: Prune the plant after it blooms to encourage bushiness and to control its size.

Overall, Clethra Alnifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for as long as you provide it with the right conditions. With proper care, it will reward you with beautiful fragrant blooms, making it an attractive addition to any UK garden.