Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'
Hummingbird Summersweet Clethra

Clethra alnifolia ′Hummingbird′ - Winter Habit

Family:

Clethraceae (Clethra Family) 5

Genus:

Clethra (Summersweet Clethra Clethra, Summersweet) 5

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Upright 572

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 515

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 836

Flower Notes:

White (Very fragrant, upright, white 4-6" long by 0.75" wide bottle brush-like flower racemes in summer; attractive to bees and butterflies; summer)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Glossy, dark green foliage in summer); Yellow (Attractive, long-lasting golden yellow fall foliage)

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Interesting, persisting brown capsules that can add texture to the landscape, but are not overly ornamental)

Ultimate Height:

2-4 feet

Ultimate Spread:

3-5 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Best in acidic, fairly moist soil, even tolerating wet soil

Range:

Cultivated origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are 1.5-4" long, 0.75-2" wide, alternate, simple, oblong, serrated near tip, and entire near margin. Distinct, dry, 3-valved fruiting panicles persist.

Special Characteristics:

Flowering Characteristics 355

Fragrant Flowers 188

Wet Soil Tolerant 109

Additional Information

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' is an award-winning shrub with abundant, beautfiul and fragrant white flower spikes. However, the habit eventually tends to flop and appear unkempt. It spreads by underground stems to make large clumps, but can be restrained when necessary. This plant can suffer in full sun and/or dry soils, but can bloom well in shade.