Flower of the Week: Summersweet (Clethra alternafolia)

Clethra alnifolia (summersweet, sweet pepperbush, or Anne Bidwell), is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America from southern Nova Scotia and Maine south to northern Florida, and west to eastern Texas.

The following post was submitted by  staff member Maggie Wiles.

The flowers are white or very pale pink, and have a sweet, somewhat cloying fragrance. They bloom from July until September, depending on the cultivar and are very attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.

The "pepper" part of the common name derives from the mature fruits, capsules, which have a vague resemblance to peppercorns, however, with no element of spiciness.

Summersweet is typically used as a shrub for natural gardens, or is placed alongside a stream or pond in order to delay erosion. Limiting its landscaping use is the fact that it doesn't leaf out until very late in the season.

Clethra prefers moist, slightly acidic soil and will not do well in hot, dry locations. Slow to take hold, but trouble-free once established in your garden.

Heavy pruning in late winter or early spring to remove winter-killed wood, to promote compactness, or to rejuvenate, is easily accomplished without worry, as flowering occurs on the new growth of the current season.

As a native, clethra nicely fits into a woodland garden setting. It is a perfect choice with its intoxicating fragrance, ease of care and beautiful fall color. And how wonderful to have a flower in summertime that isn't a hydrangea.