Sweet Pepper Bush, Coastal sweetpepperbush, Summer Sweet
Clethra alnifolia
Family: Clethraceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Oval, Upright or erect.
Clethra alnifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 2.5
Where it is found
Swamps, damp thickets and sandy woods.
Eastern N. America - Maine to New Jersey, south to Florida and Mississippi.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The stalk of the blossom is used as a soap substitute. The plants tolerate clipping and make an attractive informal hedge.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Hedge: Hedge
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Pest tolerant, Massing, Screen, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a well-drained lime-free sandy and peaty soil. It loves abundant moisture at its roots. Prefers a sunny position or partial shade. Dormant plants are hardy to about -30°c. A good bee plant, the flowers are very aromatic. There are some named varieties developed for their ornamental value. 'Paniculata' has longer-lasting branching panicles of flowers. Like the species type, the flowers of this cultivar are very sweetly scented. Suckers are freely produced when the plant is grown in conditions similar to its natural habitat, the plant forming thickets. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:North American native, Wetlands plant, Attracts butterflies, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and keep the pot moist. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 13°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out once they are more than 20cm tall in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Root cuttings in December/January. Suckers in the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required. Layering of current years growth in late autumn. Takes 18 months. Can also be done in early spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge; Bog Garden;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet