Saturday, December 22, 2007

Compact Summersweet

Compact Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Compacta'
(KLEE-thra) (al-nee-FOH-lee-uh)
Synonyms: Sweet Pepper Bush, ‘Nana’

There seems to be a lot of varieties of this plant popping up. From what I have seen the selections generally have a better habit and even some flower color (other than white). This has always been an standby plant for me as it can tolerate wet and shady conditions and still put on a good show. It spreads by stolons and can develop quite a large patch if left unattended. That is one reason I have taken to using the smaller versions and cultivars. 'Compacta’ gets up to 3 to 4 feet tall which is quite a bit smaller than the species. I usually do a little trimming in the dormant season to help keep it a little smaller and bushier.

Stolon: Botany: a creeping horizontal plant stem or runner that takes root at points along its length to form new plants.


Here is Santa giving me a personal wave in Manhattan.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

First time here
Love your photos
I'll be back often to see more

Bob said...

As you seem to be on such good terms with Santa could you ask him if he would mind dropping me off either a wireless weather station, computer or Volvo V50 estate car? Oh yes and Merry Christmas to you too Digital Flower Pictures and as always thanks for your comment on my blog, I'm not holding my breath for the pay rise though!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

wiseacre, hi and welcome. Come back anytime since this site is open 24/7.

Hi bob. :lol: I will see what I can do. I have a wireless weather station at home and love it.