sweet pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spire'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Shell pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,yellow,pink,cream,white
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
The sweet pepperbush plant should be watered regularly, about once per week or every 7 to 10 days. Make sure the soil stays moist but not soggy as it doesn't fair well in overly wet conditions. Water deeply, ideally until it starts to drain out of the pot’s bottom. If the soil feels dry an inch below the top, it’s time to water. During the growing months, water more often. During the winter months, reduce the frequency—but never let it dry out completely.
sunlight
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spire') should receive full, direct sunlight for approximately 8 to 10 hours each day. In partial shade, this plant can do well if given at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the heat of summer, 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight is recommended, as this will help the plant to flower. Sweet pepperbush also prefers moist soil and needs to be watered regularly and consistently.
pruning
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spire') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, during dormancy. It should be lightly pruned, removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches and crossing branches. To maintain a compact shrub shape, thin out the plant by no more than 1 third of the unwanted growth. Avoid overly pruning or shearing back as this can make the plant look unnatural and open it up susceptibility to disease.
