Coastal Sweetpepperbush

(Clethra alnifolia)

Coastal Sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Clethra alnifolia, commonly known as Coastal Sweetpepperbush, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States, particularly found in moist, acidic soils of woodland edges, wetlands, and along streams. It grows to a height of 1.5–3 m (4 ft 11 in – 9 ft 10 in) and is noted for its attractive summer blooms and fall foliage. The leaves are green, turning yellow-golden in autumn, adding seasonal interest to garden spaces. The flowers, white or very pale pink, are small at 5–10 mm in diameter but are quite showy due to their dense racemes up to 15 cm long and 2 cm broad. They emit a sweet, somewhat cloying fragrance and bloom in late summer, drawing in pollinators such as bumblebees.

Coastal Sweetpepperbush is valued for its ease of maintenance and adaptability to wet conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens, naturalized areas, or as a streamside planting for erosion control. It is a late leaf-out species, which may limit its use in some landscape designs. For optimal growth, it prefers full sun to part shade, high amounts of water, and well-drained acidic soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can suffer from leaf spot and twig blight if conditions are too wet. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a safe choice for most gardens.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-8 feet
  • Width: 4-6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist, acidic soils of woodland edges, wetlands, and along streams

Other Names

Common Names: Coastal Sweet Pepperbush , Summersweet , Summersweet Clethra , Pink-Spire , Sweet Pepperbush , Clèthre À Feuilles D’Aulne , Konvaljbuske

Scientific Names: Clethra alnifolia , Clethra tomentosa , Clethra alnifolia var. tomentosa , Clethra alnifolia var. alnifolia , Clethra alnifolia var. pubescens , Clethra alnifolia f. rosea , Clethra paniculata , Clethra pubescens , Clethra alnifolia var. rosea , Clethra alnifolia subsp. tomentosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Clethra alnifolia L.