Hummingbird Summersweet

Light Needs

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 to 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.