Clethra alnifolia
The common name for Clethra alnifolia makes perfect sense. Summersweet or sweet pepperbush has the rather unique ability to flower in the shade during the hot summer months when few other native plants are blooming.
 
While Summersweet can tolerate full sun it thrives in shady gardens with moist soil. This would be a gorgeous addition (or alternative!) to a shady hosta garden, adding in bright white flowers to a typically all-green landscape.
 
The Summersweet is a compact shrub, and can be kept neatly tamed by removing suckering roots or allowed to freely spread to fill a space. This is an excellent plant for pollinators, serving as the host plant for at least 11 lepidoptera species as well as attracting a large number of native bees.
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up).
All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase.