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Gardening in Shade

How much sun do Clethra need?

18 years ago

I am quite keen to get a few Clethra but have read conflicting stories on its suitability for heavy (though not really full) shade. It seems that they will live, but that in less than light or dappled shade, they get leggy (I don't like leggy plants!) and flower much less.

Any thoughts?

Comment (1)

ego45
18 years ago
That is correct, they'll be leggy and not as floriferous if they will not get at least 2-3 hours of uninterrupted sun or 4 hours of dappled sun.
However there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Underplant them with low growing (3-4') evergreen azaleas or hydrangea arborescens ('Annabelle', for example) and you'll have very attractive and long time blooming combo.
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