Sweet Pepperbush

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-7 Feet

Mature Spread

5-6 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 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.