Plant of the Month, August 2005

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Clethra alnifolia

Other Cultivars: Hummingbird (dwarf; white); Paniculata (large, white flowers); Pinkspire (rosepink buds open to non fading pink); Rosea (pink fading to white)

Extra notes and interesting information:
Yellow autumn foliage; flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; fruit attracts birds. 
 


References:
 

Brenzel, Kathleen Norris, Ed. 2001.
Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset Publishing Corporation, Menlo Park, CA

 

 

at a glance:
Common Name:

Summersweet, Sweet Pepperbush

Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Clethraceae
Height/Spread: 4 to 10 ft. tall and wide; spreads slowly by suckers. Thin, strong branches form vertical pattern.

Leaves:  Glossy, dark green, tooth-edged, 2 – 4  inch  long leaves appear late in spring, turn golden yellow to brownish in fall
Flowers: 
During mid to late summer, each branch tip carries several 4 – 6 in. long spires of tiny, gleaming white flowers with a  spicy perfume.
Bloom Period:
Mid to late summer
Diseases/pests: Can get mites if the soil is too dry.
Conditions:  Partial shade; moist to wet, slightly acid, well-drained soil.
Natural Range: Eastern U.S.
Hardiness:
USDA Zones 3-9
Location: Entrance Bed 


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Phone:
Bellevue Botanical Garden, 425.452.2750
Bellevue Botanical Garden Society,  425.451.3755

Mail:
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98005

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society
PO Box 40536
Bellevue WA 98015-4536

Bellevue Botanical Garden Society awarded
2005 Citation of Merit for an Organization
Presented by the Washington Recreation and Park Association

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