Summersweet

About this plant

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' is a delightful, low-maintenance deciduous shrub prized for its late-season blooms and sweet, spicy fragrance. Clusters of pure white, bottlebrush-like flowers emerge in mid to late summer, offering a crucial nectar source for pollinators when many other plants have finished blooming. Its compact and dense growth habit makes 'Hummingbird' an excellent choice for foundation plantings, shrub borders, or even mass plantings in naturalized areas. The bright green foliage provides a lovely backdrop throughout the growing season, turning attractive shades of yellow in the fall. Resilient and adaptable, Summersweet thrives in moist, acidic soils and is remarkably tolerant of wet conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens or near water features. Its modest size (typically 3-4 feet tall and wide) ensures it fits well into most landscape designs.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average to wet, well-drained, acidic soil. Prefers full sun to partial shade; flowering is best with more sun. Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak branches, or to shape, as it blooms on new wood. Fertilize sparingly in spring if needed, using a balanced slow-release formula. Generally pest and disease resistant.