I purchased a Clethra alnifolia about a month ago. It is still in its pot, but is diseased with Eriophyid mites, I think. Its leaves are curling and browning. Does this sound possible, and if so, what should I use on it?
Although typically pest free, this particular plant is occasionally affected by these pests. Eriophyid mites feed deep within the plant tissues sucking out plant juices, which causes deformation of plant growth but seldom kills plants. Rust mites, a similar species, are usually responsible for the browning and leaf curling.
Eriophyid mites usually do not cause serious injury, even large populations can be tolerated by plants, but the damage may be unsightly. Infected leaves and twigs can be pruned off to eliminate adult mites. All infected branches should be removed and destroyed as well. Heavy infestations can also be controlled with insecticides. Dormant oil, horticultural oils (like neem oil), and insecticidal soaps may also be effective.
Is it ok to transplant the Clethra alnifolia plant in April? It is the one that only grows 15-18 inches.
Yes, it is okay to plant to April so long as the temperature is mild and the danger of frost has passed.
For more information on Clethra Alnifolia plants, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/summersweet/summersweet-plant.htm
My clethra started producing leaves and then stopped. It has done this now for two years.
This link will help refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/summersweet/summersweet-plant.htm
Hi Gardening Expert: This is our first spring with 3 Clethra's we planted last summer. They did fantastic all summer and we covered them for the winter (under wood a-frame). We uncovered them after the last big snow and they have yet to bud. Is this normal? Everything else in our yard is budding or already leafy. I feel like I see some but its not really greening up in the bud areas yet. The stems seem dead too. We have not trimmed them. I am worried they died some how, we paid so much money for them (they are not small). Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Check the branches, do they bend or snap off?
Scratch the bark, if branches are still alive; you will see green tissue.
Since they die back, they may take longer to leaf out then other plants or trees in you yard.
Give them more time.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/summersweet/summersweet-plant.htm
I have put in six clethra plants in a partial shaded area of my garden near a fence. One by one, they are wilting and dying. I water every other day. There were roots from a neighbors trees under ground where I planted them.
It sounds like the plants are having a hard time establishing in this site. It could be from the neighbor's tree roots, or it could be a general soil issue. Adding peat moss or other organic material could help them retain moisture better. Just avoid any manure, which may be too high in nitrogen. Phosphorus is important to proper root development, so a product like Root N Grow may also help. If the roots are the problem, it may be necessary to berm up the area to give plants enough rich soil to establish in
Most off the blooms have passed and are a dry brown now.
Yes, you may cut the dead blooms. And yes, it will only flower once per year around this time. This article will help you to care for these slow growing shrubs: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/summersweet/summersweet-plant.htm
I was watering the bush every second day but now I will check the soil daily. What should I do?
It is likely getting too much water. Cut back the watering to twice a week and water deeply. You don't need to prune unless the stems are dead.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/summersweet/summersweet-plant.htm