by Diane Deakin
(Newtown, CT)
Hi,
it would be interesting to know whether your shrubs did flower well in the previous seasons?
There could be several reasons for this:
Photo courtesy of KingsbraeGarden
If your Sweet Pepper Bush gets too much shade you could try to cut back overhanging trees to give them a bit more light. Alternatively you could transplant them to a sunnier spot. You could also try a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen but high in potash. Potash encourages flowering and fruiting. Tomato fertilizers are usually high in potash. Apply the fertilizer during spring.
If your soil tends to dry out try a layer of mulch around the plants to keep the moisture in the ground.
Pruning Clethra Bushes:
You can prune your Sweet Pepper Bushes in late winter or early spring. Remove damaged branches first, right at the base. Then remove old and woody branches. Cut back about one third of the old growth to encourage new shoots.
Hope this helps! Send us a picture when they flower!