- 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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known 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 Known 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 Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 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 Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known 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 Known 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 Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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