Summersweet – Hummingbird (Clethra alnifolia)

Plant Size: 2 Gallon Pot

Plant Name: Summersweet – Hummingbird – Clethra alnifolia

Summersweet, Clethra alnifolia       

Type: Shrub

Growth Characteristics  Summersweet, also know as sweet pepperbush, is a deciduous shrub that can grow to 5 to 8 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide.  Small, white flowers occurring in dense clusters on long 3-6 inch terminal spikes mature in late summer that turn into brown dry seeds later in fall. Summersweet is unique among flowering shrubs because it blooms in shady locations in late summer when few other shrubs are in bloom. In the wild often found in wet and sandy dry areas.  It is easy to maintain and has a moderate growth rate.   Plant 4-8 feet apart.  Can tolerate winter temperatures to -22F.

Hardiness: Climate zones 3-9

Light Requirements: Full and partial sun

Water Needs: It prefers moist, sometimes wet, conditions and once established can tolerates short periods of drought and flooding.

Soil Preference: Prefers acidic soils with organic material.  Can grow in a variety of soil types – sand to clays.

DISEASE, PEST and Deer RESISTANCE

Deer, disease and pest resistant.

SITE CONSIDERATIONS

Can be grown in a wide variety of landscapes – from borders to forest understory and in pollinator gardens.

Value to Wildlife and Insects

The flowers produce high quality nectar and pollen that supports hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators. The seeds are eaten by birds during the winter.