Hummingbird sweet pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size2 to 4 feet tall3 to 5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Creamy white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Hummingbird' sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird') is a shrub for borders, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and hedges. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Creamy white flowers are fragrant and draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It stays dense and compact, and it tolerates salt.
Pairs well with Goldsturm black-eyed Susan, Sensitive fern, Switchgrass, and Red twig dogwood.