Two Clethera Summer Sweet Plants

Question

I planted two summer sweet clethera plants in same Area of garden. Everything is the same for both plants. One is so very Happy. The other is turning brown, a few stems died off, it looks terrible. Can you tell me why ?

• 
• 

Answer 1

It could be a problem with soil drainage or other environmental problems like too much sun and not enough water. Lightly work some compost into the soil around the plants to improve drainage. Mulching will help to keep the soil moist.

The brown edges could be from leaf scorch which is usually due to improper watering.

They prefer acidic soil so you may want to test your soil pH. Acidic soil is below 6.5.

Here is more on its care:

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/clethra-alnifolia/

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/summersweet-clethra/

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/leaf-scorch-2-911/