Clethra alnifolia
summersweet, sweet pepperbush
Notes:
Late to leaf out. Avoid hot, dry sites (native to wetlands in the coastal plain and piedmont). Autumn color may persist for 2-4 weeks. Blooms on new growth.
The USDA is outnumbered by Dove/Woolridge, NCSU, Missouri BG, and White Oak on the question of clay tolerance and by OSU, Dove/Woolridge, Stoecklein, Bir, and NCSU on the question of salt tolerance. It makes me wonder how they tested for these attributes.
The fragrance is described as a spicy scent with notes of clove, honey, vanilla, and more.
'Hummingbird', 'Ruby Spice', and 'Tom's Compact' are PHS Gold Medal Award winners.
Sources: White Oak, Sunset, Dove/Woolridge, NCSU, OSU, UConn, USDA, Bir, Druse.
Tags:
acidic soil preferred
attracts:bees
attracts:birds (ex-humming)
attracts:butterflies
attracts:hummingbirds
attracts:mammals
clay tolerant
compacted soil tolerant
deer resistant
dense canopy
easy to grow
edible fruit
exposure:full sun
exposure:part shade
fall color notable
fire risk low
form:multi-trunked
form:shrub
fragrant flowers
habit:oval
habit:rounded
habit:spreading/wide
habit:upright
native:eastern North America
part shade preferred
persistence:deciduous
pest/disease free
PHS Gold Medal Award
pruning not required
rich soil preferred
roots:shallow
salt tolerant
sandy soil tolerant
showy flowers
stoloniferous/suckering
type:broadleaf
use:border
use:container
use:foundation
use:hedge
use:naturalizing
use:screen
use:specimen
water:ample
water:regular
wet soil tolerant
WON high-value plant
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