Sweet Pepperbush Growing in the Shade
This product does not ship to: Idaho

Sweet Pepperbush

American Beauties Native Plants

$59.99
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Availability : In Stock
Spring 2024 Pre-Order - Learn More
$59.99
This product does not ship to: Idaho
  • 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

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

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

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

#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

#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

#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 guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy and healthy, but the plant(s) are being shipped through the mail and 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 information on how to care for you new plant please check out our guide. 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 new or an expert. There are many variables outside our control and yours that can cause the demise of your plant(s). Examples would be hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, disease, insects & many other factors. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife.

The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant purchase. We will cover 100% of the price of the plant but the warranty does not cover shipping cost. Simply let us know if your plant has died within one year of receiving it and we’ll get you a new one shipped out. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again we’ll try to make it as easy as possible.

For more information, please go to our Shipping & Returns page at the bottom of the website.

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.

1 Review - Sweet Pepperbush Show Reviews

  • 5
    White Pepper...

    Posted by PAMELA DAHL on Jun 23, 2022

    Our 4 shrubs came packaged perfectly. There were no broken branches, leaves. The soil was moist because you had a plastic bag over the pots. They have been in the ground about 10 days. I will continue to water till well established. We could not be happier with prompt delivery, phone call information. Thank you for a wonderful plant experience! We will order through you again. Jake and Pam in Minnesota.