Common Name: Sweet Pepper Bush

General Information

Clethra alnifolia is a deciduous shrub with erect branches; usually producing suckers, it grows around 1.5 - 3 metres tall[, ]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. It is grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedgr, and is valued especially for its fragrant flowers in late summer[].
Clethra alnifolia has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida and est to Texas

Habitat

Swamps, damp thickets and sandy woods[]. Broad-leaved swamps, Chamaecyparis swamps, wet pine forests, and sometimes in dry sandy woods and rocky, acidic ridge tops; at elevations from sea level to 200 metres, occasionally to 400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Clethra alnifolia is a very cold-tolerant plant, when dormant it is hardy to about -30°c[, ].
Prefers a moist but well-drained lime-free sandy and peaty soil[, ], though it is adaptive to a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions[].. It loves abundant moisture at its roots[]. Prefers a sunny position or partial shade[]. The plant is moderately salt tolerant, and can be grown near, but not directly behind, beaches[].
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

Agroforestry Uses:

The plants tolerate clipping and make an attractive informal hedge[, ].

Other Uses

The stalk of the blossom is used as a soap substitute[].

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[].