sweet pepperbush

Sweet pepperbush likes evenly moist soil. Water the plant regularly, approximately every 5 to 7 days as the top 3 inches of soil begins to dry out. Make sure to soak the ground thoroughly, but don't leave the soil soggy for too long. In hotter climates, it may need to be watered more frequently, and in cooler climates, it may need to be watered less often. During winter, reduce the watering schedule and be sure to check the soil moisture levels as the temperatures drop.

Sweet pepperbush is a sun-loving plant species that requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. This plant prefers the morning sun so it is best to keep it in a location that receives morning sun and is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. Sweet pepperbush plants should be planted in a location that provides consistent exposure to sunlight in order to ensure healthy and lush growth.

Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) should be pruned once a year during late winter, just before the plants bud. Prune sweet pepperbush back by about 1/3 to 1/2 of its overall size, removing dead, damaged, and crossing branches. Be sure to make each cut close to the branch collar, or the enlarged base where a stem begins. This will allow the plant to rapidly heal and reshoot from the base, giving it the desired shape and density for the next season.