Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue' flower by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'

Also Known As

  • Red Stem Clethra
  • Redtwig Summersweet

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 4'-6'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue' plant details

Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer pink and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: clethraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: fall color, fragrant, pink stems

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: humidity and seaside / salt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bright rosy-red new stems add to the charm of this 3-8' almost-native shrub along with its famous fragrant (in this case pink) flowers. S-PSh/M
A breakthrough in Summersweets! It has all the same wonderful qualities of the species and various cultivars but has a RED STEM. Originating at Dodd and Dodd Nursery in Alabama, 'Sherry Sue' displays bright pinkish-red twigs throughout the growing season. This pink pigmentation also grades into the blooms, yielding pink tones in the flowers!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

The red stems compliment the early to mid-summer pink flowers. It is also delightfully fragrant.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue' plant

How to Grow Clethra alnifolia 'Sherry Sue'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Clethra for your garden

aka Ruby Spice Summer Sweet, Sweet Pepperbush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-8'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - high
Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' flower by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
View Plant

aka Hummingbird Summer Sweet, Hummingbird Sweet Pepperbush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - high
Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' flower by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Sixteen Candles Summer Sweet, Summersweet

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 30"-60"

Width: 24"-48"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles' flower, foliage by Briggs Plant Propagators
View Plant

More Options

aka Summersweet

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4'-8'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Clethra alnifolia flower, foliage, form by Kenpei
View Plant

More Options

aka Pink Spires Sweet Pepperbush

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

4a-8b

Size

Height: 3'-8'

Width: 4'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - high
Photo of Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spires' flower by Forestfarm
View Plant

More Options

+18 more Clethra
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