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Description
Clethra Rosei is a deciduous flowering plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Clethraceae and is commonly known as Pink Sweet Pepperbush or Summer Sweet. This shrub grows up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and produces clusters of fragrant pink flowers in mid to late summer. The flowers are followed by brown seed capsules that persist into winter. The foliage of Clethra Rosei is dark green and glossy and turns yellow in fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Clethraceae |
| Genus | Clethra |
Appearance
Clethra Rosei is a medium-sized shrub that grows up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It has a rounded habit and produces multiple stems from the base. The bark is light brown and smooth, and the twigs are greenish-brown and pubescent. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical, measuring 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. They are dark green and glossy, turning yellow in fall. The flowers of Clethra Rosei are produced in dense terminal spikes, measuring 3 to 6 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. They are fragrant and pink, fading to white as they age. The fruit is a brown capsule, measuring 0.5 to 1 inch long, and contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Clethra Rosei is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some guidelines to follow:Water: Water regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Clethra Rosei prefers moist soil but can tolerate occasional dryness.Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.Soil: Clethra Rosei prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay.Sunlight: Clethra Rosei prefers partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade.Hardiness Zones: Clethra Rosei is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clethra Rosei is relatively pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to the following:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects can infest Clethra Rosei. Regular monitoring and insecticidal soap can help control these pests.Diseases: Powdery mildew and leaf spot can affect Clethra Rosei. Good air circulation and proper watering can help prevent these diseases.
Habitat
Clethra Rosei is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, acidic soil and partial shade to full sun. Clethra Rosei is an important source of nectar for bees and butterflies and provides food and shelter for wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Clethra Rosei be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Clethra Rosei can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and watering needs.
Q: How often should I prune Clethra Rosei?
A: Prune Clethra Rosei in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. You can also prune to shape the plant, but avoid pruning too heavily, as this can reduce flowering.
Q: Is Clethra Rosei deer-resistant?
A: Clethra Rosei is somewhat deer-resistant but can still be browsed by deer, especially in winter when other food sources are scarce.
Q: Can Clethra Rosei be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Clethra Rosei can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in summer or fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shaded area until they root.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Clethra Rosei:- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)- Clethra barbinervis (Japanese Clethra)- Clethra tomentosa (Hairy Sweet Pepperbush)
References
– Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation, and uses. Stipes Publishing.- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Clethra Rosei. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277261&isprofile=0&basic=Clethra%20rosei- NC State Extension. (n.d.). Clethra Rosei. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clethra-rosei/
