Hummingbird Summersweet

Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird')

Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird') is a compact, deciduous native shrub cherished for its fragrant white blooms, small size, and ability to thrive in damp, shaded locations. This low-growing cultivar of the Eastern U.S. native Summersweet offers all the pollinator benefits and seasonal beauty of the species in a form ideal for smaller gardens, foundation beds, and rain gardens.

Distinctive Features

'Hummingbird' produces dense spikes of pure white, highly fragrant flowers in mid to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and of course, hummingbirds. The dark green foliage is clean and glossy, turning a brilliant golden yellow in fall. Its naturally compact, rounded shape and restrained suckering make it easy to maintain and well-suited for formal and informal landscape designs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic soils; tolerant of clay, loam, or sandy conditions
• Water: Moderate to high; thrives in consistently moist environments
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Showy white blooms and compact size make it a standout in small gardens
• Foundation Planting: Dwarf habit fits perfectly in under-window beds
• Rain Gardens: Performs exceptionally in wet or periodically flooded soils
• Pollinator Gardens: A reliable nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
• Woodland Edges: Thrives in dappled light and naturalized settings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in dry spells or sunny exposures
• Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain compact shape if needed
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring if necessary
• Mulching: Apply mulch to preserve soil moisture and acidity
• Protection: Avoid planting in dry or highly alkaline soils

Why Choose Hummingbird Summersweet?

• Fragrant White Flowers: Dense, sweet-smelling blooms appear in late summer
• Compact Native Form: Ideal for small gardens or tight planting spaces
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with ease
• Moisture Loving: Excellent for wet areas or shaded beds
• Focal Point: Tidy size, strong fragrance, and seasonal color make it a versatile garden highlight

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' brings fragrance, pollinator appeal, and a compact native presence to the landscape�perfect as a low-maintenance focal point for rain gardens, foundation plantings, and shaded garden beds.