Botanical Name: Clethra alnifolia
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Common Name: Summersweet  
Plant photo of: Clethra alnifolia
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Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Winter, Fall, Persistent

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Beverly Leftwich
  • Description

  • Notes

Summersweet is a slender, upright, deciduous shrub which typically grows 3 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. It features fluffy, bottle brush-like, terminal, 3 to 6-inch spikes of extremely fragrant white flowers which bloom on current season's growth for in mid to late summer. Foliage is serrated, glossy, and dark green, turning to a striking yellow in autumn. Flower spikes give way to spikes of dark brown seed capsules which persist into winter and provide continuing interest. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and bees. A good choice for a rain garden.