Clethra alnifolia

Summer Sweet / Sweet Pepper Bush

  • Vase-shaped
  • Fluffy, bottle brush-like, flowers
  • Fragrant white flowers
  • Glossy green foliage
  • Yellow fall foliage
  • Native
  • Great accent, foundation or shrub border

Purchase options for Summer Sweet / Sweet Pepper Bush

  • Size: #2 15-18"
  • Status: BeautiFULL
  • Availability: In Stock

$54.00


  • Size: #3 18-21"
  • Status: Sheared and/or Dormant
  • Availability: In Stock

$65.00


  • Size: #5 30-36"
  • Status: BeautiFULL
  • Availability: In Stock

$104.00


Summer sweet is a vase-shaped deciduous shrub, which features fluffy, bottle brush-like, 3-6" spikes of extremely fragrant white flowers that are an extremely important nectar source in summer. Glossy, dark green leaves turn a rich yellow in autumn. Native plant commonly founded in moist woodlands. Used as accent, foundation or shrub border; good plant for heavily shaded or wet areas.

Attributes
Border or Bed
Fall Color
Fragrant
Native
Foliage Color
Green
Flower Color
White
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Summer Bloomer
Exposure
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Soil Moisture
Moist, Well-Drained
Growing Tips for Clethra alnifolia

Does best in moist soils with shade. If grown in full sun make sure enough moisture is applied. Prune in late winter before new growth appears to encourage bushy spring growth; will tolerate hard cut.