Overview
Clethra acuminata is a bushy shrubs in the genus Clethra, part of the Clethraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Clethra acuminata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and low maintenance.
About
Clethra acuminata, the mountain pepper bush, is a shrub native to the Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It has been reported from the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, primarily from deciduous forests at elevations of 500–1,400 m (1,600–4,600 ft). Clethra acuminata is a native plant to the lower 48 states of the United States. It is an understory shrub found in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States. In the garden it prefers partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and low maintenance. It tolerates acid soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clethra acuminata
About the genus
Clethra is a genus of flowering shrubs or small trees erected as a genus by Linnaeus in 1753.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clethra", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clethra
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clethra
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Clethra acuminata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clethra acuminata
- Propagation
- Seed in spring or autumn, Softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Clethra acuminata?
Clethra acuminata prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Clethra acuminata need?
Clethra acuminata grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Clethra acuminata hardy in the UK?
Clethra acuminata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Clethra acuminata?
Seed in spring or autumn, Softwood cuttings in early summer.