Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

Also Known As

Hummingbird Summer Sweet
Hummingbird Sweet Pepperbush

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 3'-5'

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' plant details

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' is a moderate-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer cream and white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - high water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: clethraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and white blooms in summer
Uses: compact, fall color, fragrant, hedge, naturalizing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - high
Resistant to: erosion
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird', known as summersweet or sweet pepperbush, is a compact, slow spreading shrub that displays bottlebrush spikes of very fragrant, nectar rich white flowers that bloom from late summer to fall giving way to dark brown fruits for winter interest. Foliage is dark green and glossy. Very floriferous and dependable. Use in mixed shrub borders, or in partly shaded or woodland gardens or near water features in average to moist soils. Spreads by root suckers. Blooms on new wood. Nice golden yellow fall colour. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer resistant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

One of our favorite summer bloomers is the deliciously fragrant Summersweet. Long panicles of tiny white blossoms grace this shrub July to August, perfect for butterfly or fragrant gardens. This gorgeous cultivar selected by Fred Galle at Calloway Gardens is compact to 3-4' and even more free-flowering than the species! This special plant would be a welcome addition to any garden. S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

C. ALNIFOLIA ‘HUMMINGBIRD’ - is a 18” tall shrub with very fragrant white flowers in July-August. C. Hummingbird is a bushy plant that turns lovely golden yellow in October.

By: Gossler Farms

Dwarf form of a trouble free native shrub. July to August blooms are fragrant and long-lasting. Shiny dark foliage, turns yellow to gold in the fall. Does well in shade or wet soils. Growth Rate slow

By: Garden World

A classic dwarf Clethra this stays less than 3' tall with fragrant white flowers in mid summer, it's a choice plant whose stature makes it indispensable in the landscape.

By: Arrowhead Alpines

This is the newest thing in summersweets, a smaller heavy blooming shrub that fits nicely into smaller garden spaces. Only 2-3' in ten years. Awards: Georgia Gold Medal Winner, Gold Medal from Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Recommended by: Garden Clubs of America, Ohio Plant Selection Committee.

By: Fantastic Plants

White fragrant flowers in 4 inch spikes above the glossy green leaves, yellow fall color. Moist soil. Zones 4-8

By: Lael's Moon Garden

Good yellow to gold fall color. Excellent for 4-6 weeks of summer flower. Good plant for heavy shade & wet spots. 2-6" long panicles of flower, TREMENDOUS FRAGRANCE, clean winter habit, handsome foliage. TDF shrub -- To Die For!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

White flowers with cinnamon brown stamens in mid to late summer on compact rounded plants. Sweetly fragrant.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

This compact Summer Sweet grows to less than half the height of the species but sprouts freely in moist soil to form a dense thicket. Plentiful white, fragrant flower spikes appear in late summer. Yellow fall color. Tolerant of wet soil and shade.