Summersweet Clethra alnifolia

Clethra alnifolia, or Sweet Pepperbush, is a deciduous shrub that may grow to 5 to 10 feet. and often spreads into mounded clumps. It is native to eastern North America from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas. In the wild, it is often found in swamps, damp thickets, and sandy woods. The leaves are alternate with a finely toothed margin. The bark is gray and loosely striped. Small, white flowers occurring in dense clusters on long 3 to 6 inch terminal spikes mature in late summer. The shrub produces a brown, dry capsule that matures in the fall. Sweet Pepperbush are unique among flowering shrubs because they bloom in shady locations in late summer when few other shrubs are in bloom.

This shrub is often grown as a screen, or as a specimen, on in groupings as a border. It prefers moist, sometimes wet, acidic soil with organic material, full sun to partial shade, but will not tolerate a hot, dry site. Dormant plants are hardy to about 22 degrees F (-30° C.). It is a good bee plant and the flowers are very aromatic. When grown in conditions similar to its native habitat, it will produce suckers and eventually form thickets. However, it responds well to pruning.

Clethra tomentosa, a synonym for Clethra alnifolia, is native to the Southeastern United States (North Carolina, south to Florida, and west to Texas). It is similar to C. alnifolia except that it has foliage with soft, short hairs, and blossoms with very long racemes.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Spider mites may be a concern in dry conditions.  When planted in the proper site, it is insect- and disease- resistant.