Clethra alnifolia

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; partial shade is often preferred in hotter climates to protect from intense midday sun.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, acidic, humus-rich soils; performs best in loamy or sandy soils that drain well yet retain consistent moisture.

• pH Range: Favors acidic to neutral soils (pH 5.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Naturally found in moist woodlands and along streams, so it appreciates consistently moist soil.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn to give roots time to establish before extreme heat or frost.

• Spacing: Allow 1–1.5 metres between plants to accommodate mature spread and allow good air circulation.

• Positioning Tips: Perfect for shrub borders, woodland gardens, and alongside water features where moisture is consistent.

• Shelter Needs: Hardy and adaptable, but benefits from shelter from strong, drying winds.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots with ericaceous compost; ensure regular watering to keep compost evenly moist.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially in the first year after planting.

  • During prolonged dry spells, water deeply once or twice a week.

  • Avoid letting soil completely dry out, as this can reduce flowering and cause stress.

• Feeding: Apply an ericaceous slow-release fertilizer in spring to support healthy growth and abundant flowering.

• Pruning:

  • Requires minimal pruning—remove dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring.

  • Can be lightly shaped after flowering if needed.

  • Avoid heavy pruning into old wood as new shoots may be slow to emerge.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer of composted bark or leaf mould in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the plant’s crown.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; may occasionally encounter leaf spot or mildew in humid conditions—improve airflow if this occurs.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland; no special winter protection required for established plants.

• Weed Control: Keep the base free of weeds and competing groundcover to maintain soil moisture and reduce nutrient competition.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Medium-green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn, providing a vibrant seasonal display.

• Flowers: Dense, fragrant spikes of white or pale pink flowers in mid- to late summer; blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Fragrance: Strongly sweet-scented flowers add sensory appeal to gardens.

• Form: Upright, dense shrub with a rounded habit, creating a compact and bushy appearance.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate growth; typically reaches 1.2–2 metres in height with a similar spread at maturity.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers are an excellent nectar source for pollinators; dense structure offers shelter for small birds.

• Ornamental Value: Combines summer fragrance with autumn colour, extending seasonal interest in borders.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Mixed shrub borders for mid-late summer interest.

  • Woodland gardens where moist soil is available.

  • Pollinator-friendly planting schemes.

  • Near water features for a naturalistic effect.

• Seasonal Appeal: Provides summer blooms, autumn foliage colour, and a strong fragrance, making it a multi-season performer.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance when planted in the right conditions; can thrive for decades with minimal care.

• Size
  40- 50cm C3 ltr - P19

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.