- Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 5 - 7 Feet
- Mature Spread 5 - 7 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Sweet Pepperbush, Summer Sweet, or Clethra Alnifolia, is a chalice-shaped deciduous shrub. During the early to mid-summer blooming season, each branch tip of the Sweet Pepperbush bears floriferous, bottle-brush spires of tiny white flowers that have an intoxicating, spicy aroma. With a height of 5 to 7 feet and a spread of 5 to 6 feet, the Sweet Pepperbush offers seasonal interest with glossy, green, tooth-edged leaves appearing in late spring, turning vibrant yellow to golden-brown in the fall.
Native to the eastern United States, the Sweet Pepperbush has vigorous, narrow branches that form a vertical pattern. The snow-white flowers of the Pepperbush are an important summer source of nectar to critical pollinators. Its botanical name means “alder” in Greek as the leaves look similar to the leaves of the alder tree. They are an excellent option for areas with dappled shade and excess moisture.
Sweet Pepperbush Care
The Sweet Pepperbush 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 Sweet Pepperbush is organic, slightly acidic, and well-drained.
It will need regular watering to thrive. To prune your Sweet Pepperbush, cut old wood from the base in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The Pepperbush is hardy and can survive an aggressive cut.
Sweet Pepperbush Spacing
The Sweet Pepperbush should be spaced 4 to 6 apart at planting. They make a great single specimen accent, or you can plant it en masse as a foundation or shrub border. Pepperbush is a great option to grow close to a deck or patio where you can enjoy the spicy clove-like fragrance. It also looks great in a mixed shrub border.
Sweet Pepperbush Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 5 - 7 Feet |
Mature Spread: 5 - 6 Feet |
Spacing: 5 - 6 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Glossy Green, Yellow Fall |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Wetland Areas & Ponds, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Sweet Pepperbush |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA |
- SKU:
- 1231003294-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.
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.