Species sweet pepperbush

sweet pepperbush

Clethra alnifolia SHERRY SUE

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia SHERRY SUE) is an amazing native shrub found throughout much of the U.S. It produces fragrant white flowers during the summer months that attract a plethora of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. This low-maintenance shrub is an excellent addition to any yard, with its outstanding disease resistance, drought-tolerance, and attractive foliage. It also adds a splash of pink in the fall through early winter as its leaves turn a beautiful bronze color. Sweet Pepperbush is a hardy, resilient plant that will bring many years of beauty and wildlife benefits to your yard.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White tinged with pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia SHERRY SUE) prefers moist, well-drained soil, so it should be watered regularly. In general, water it slowly, deeply, and evenly about once a week during the growing season. The frequency of watering may need to be increased during periods of extended drought. Make sure to inspect the soil prior to watering to make sure it is not already saturated, as Sweet Pepperbush is not tolerant of standing water. It may also need extra water during high temperature periods. During the winter months, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks. Make sure to check the soil during these months as well, and water when necessary.

sunlight

Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia SHERRY SUE) thrives in sunny areas with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant should not be planted in an area that gets afternoon shade as this can reduce flowering and plant health. Sweet pepperbush is also tolerant of partial shade, but too much shade will reduce the size of the plant and overall flowering. When planted in full sun, sweet pepperbush will reach its optimum size and flowering capability.

pruning

Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia SHERRY SUE) should be pruned lightly in the late winter or early spring, just before its new growth begins. Pruning should involve removing only a few of the oldest and tallest stems, as well as the small woody shoots that form near the base of the shrub. It is also important to remove any dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done sparingly; too much pruning can reduce blooms and the overall health of the shrub.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Sweet pepperbush typically starts flowering in July.

Hardiness Map