- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Hummingbird Summersweet, or Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird', is a slow-spreading, deciduous dwarf variety of Alnifolia with dense, green, serrated leaves that turn yellow to golden brown as the season progresses. In early to mid-summer, Hummingbird Summersweet bears loads of fragrant, white spires of tiny white flowers. A compact version of its predecessor, the creamy white flowers of Hummingbird Summersweet give way to spikes of chocolate brown fruit that last through late autumn and early winter.
Native to the eastern United States, the Hummingbird Summersweet has compact, thin branches that form a dynamic vertical pattern. It’s easy to see why this Summersweet is called the “Hummingbird”. The snow-white flowers are an important summer source of nectar to critical pollinators, and attract spades of both butterflies and hummingbirds. They are a great option for areas with partial shade and excess moisture, and they are resistant to deer, insects and disease.
Hummingbird Summersweet Care
The Hummingbird Summersweet performs best in partial sun, but can adapt to both full sun and partial shade. If you live in a hot climate, they will need some shade and additional water to survive. The best type of soil for your Hummingbird Summersweet is organic, slightly acidic, and well-drained, but it is clay and wet soil tolerant. It will need regular watering to thrive.
To prune your Hummingbird Summersweet, cut old wood from the base in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The Summersweet is hardy and can survive an aggressive cut. Pinch off root suckers throughout the season unless you desire a more naturalized and casual look.
Hummingbird Summersweet Spacing
The Hummingbird Summersweet makes a great single specimen accent, or you can plant it en masse as a foundation or shrub border. They are beautiful along foundations and in mixed perennial gardens. Grow them alongside dogwood or aster.
Hummingbird Summersweet Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Deep Green |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Salt |
| Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Hummingbird Summersweet |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA `HUMMINGBIRD` |
- SKU:
- 1000564-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
