Clethra Alnifolia

Clethra Alnifolia Care

Clethra Alnifolia

What is the plant

Clethra alnifolia, commonly called summersweet, is a deciduous shrub that is native to swampy woodlands, wet marshes, stream banks and seashores, often in sandy soils, along the coast from Maine to Florida and west to Texas. It is a rounded, suckering, densely-branched, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 3-6’ (less frequently to 8’) tall.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Hardiness zone

7 - 10

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Summersweet thrives in moist climates, and tolerates both heat above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing cold winters. It is originally from eastern North America, but grows naturally along the Atlantic coast and west to Texas. Its natural environment includes wet and swampy areas of woodland as well as marshes and river banks.
Fertilizer
Other than an occasional pruning, this shrub requires little in the way of maintenance. Prune in late winter or early spring before flower buds form. Cut out any damaged or dead branches at ground level. If you're not sure whether a branch is dead, try clipping off the tip.
Sunlight
This plant can work in a variety of soil pHs, types, and moisture levels. It prefers acidic, sandy soil that is moist but will tolerate clay soils and full shade. Water regularly as needed so the soil does not dry out.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Clethra are light feeders however will benefit from fertilization. Feed Clethra in early spring with a slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer or a natural, organic plant food. Clethra grow best in an acid to neutral soil ranging from around 5.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale.
Temperature
Plant summersweet in an area that receives full sun to part shade.
Popularity
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