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Clethra alnifolia (Sweet pepperbush)

Clethra alnifolia Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Park Seed



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Clethra alnifolia KLETH-rah all-nih-FOE-lee-ah Common Name: Sweet pepperbush Genus: Clethra
This upright, suckering shrub has fragrant, white or pink terminal flower spikes in late summer. The blooms look like bottle brushes and attract butterflies and bees. Leaves turn a pleasant yellow in autumn.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Cultivars include ‘Paniculata’, ‘Rosea’, ‘Pink Spires’, and ‘Hummingbird’. Blooms well in shady areas.
 Care: Site in dappled or partial shade and fertile, acidic, moist but well-drained soil. In winter, remove some of the oldest wood at the base.
 Propagation: Sow seed at 43° to 54°F in spring or autumn. Root greenwood cuttings in early summer.
 Problems: Fungal dieback and root rot can occur.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds; Fragrant Flowers; Native
Bloom Time Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Pink Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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