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Common Name: Sweet Pepper Bush

General Information

Clethra alnifolia is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Maine to New Jersey, south to Florida and Mississippi.

Habitat

Swamps, damp thickets and sandy woods[].

Properties

Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stalk of the blossom is used as a soap substitute[].
The plants tolerate clipping and make an attractive informal hedge[].

Propagation

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, mid summer 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[].