CLETHRA alnifolia 'Pink Spires'

Commonly known as Summersweet, Sweet pepper bush, White alder

Delicate pink form
Further Reading....
  • Deciduous
    Oval, mid-green leaves to 10cm (4in) long
  • Shades of pink
    All shades of pink through to Carmine (red)
    Soft-pink, non-fading flowers
  • Height
    2.5m (8ft)
  • Spread
    2.5m (8ft)
  • Tall Shrub
    Upright, suckering shrub
  • 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

CLETHRA alnifolia 'Pink Spires'

 
  • 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 United States
  • Flower Shape
    Bell/Lantern
    Bell-shaped flowers to 1cm (½in) across
    Racemes
    Dense, upright, terminal racemes to 15cm (6in) long
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • 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.

  • Seasonal Interest
    Summer
  • Soil Conditions
    Acid / ericaceous loving
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Humus-rich.
  • Wildlife
    Bee friendly
    Butterfly friendly
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2.5m (8ft)
Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
  2.5m (8ft)
 

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