This dense suckering shrub tolerates wet soils and shade. In late summer it bursts into bloom, with long panicles of fragrant white flowers, followed by attractive yellow fall color.
Latin Name
Clethra alnifolia
Family
Clethraceae
Also Known As
Sweet Pepperbush
Type of Plant
Shrubs
Bloom Season
July - August
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 8'
Max Spread: 6'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Full Shade
Tolerances
Attracted Wildlife
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Colors
Native Range
Eastern North America
History
Washington obtained a summersweet from John Bartram in 1792.
Other Details
Pollinator
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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