Ripple Effect sweet pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia 'Ripple Effect'
PW New 2026
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Ripple Effect' sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia 'Ripple Effect') is a shrub for borders, hedges, foundation plantings, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Fragrant flowers open from early to late summer and attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
Pairs well with Annabelle hydrangea, Magnus coneflower, and Standing Ovation little bluestem.