Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' (Dwarf Summersweet) Unity Grown

The 'Hummingbird' cultivar of Clethra alnifolia, also called summersweet or sweet pepperbush, is dwarf cultivar among Clethra varieties, growing to only 3-4' tall and wide. Noted for its attractive, bushy growth and striking fall colors, the real draw for 'Hummingbird' is the flowers, with this summersweet producing a profusion of fragrant white flower spikes that are attractive to pollinators of all kinds, including butterflies and hummingbirds, throughout the summer. With its compact habit, the 'Hummingbird' cultivar's flowers pop even more in such a dense space. And when summer blooms are over, you don't have to wait long for the plant's gorgeous golden-yellow autumn hues to pop!

With this cultivar's compact growth a habit, 'Hummingbird' sweet pepperbush makes for a great addition to any small garden and displays beautifully when planted in mass, when mixed into perennial borders, or when used in small beds or rain gardens, and the summersweet name will really become apparent when planted near patios, decks, or open windows throughout the warmer seasons. Naturally found in coastal wetland areas, mixed forests, and floodplains, Clethra alnifolia grows best in wetter areas with acidic, sandy soils, and full to partial sun exposure, but is not at all picky, and will tolerate perpetually wet clay soils, and even those with some salt content.