Clethra alnifolia

A prized native pollinator, the Sweet Pepperbush is a deciduous shrub that provides year-round interest. The early spring buds open to bronze leaves that eventually turn dark green before it explodes with fragrant white clusters of blooms on upright stems. While the foliage winds down to a dull yellow-orange in the fall, leftover summer flowers go to seed leaving behind pods of valuable food for winter birds.

While the Sweet pepperbush usually tops out at around 6 feet in height, they have been know to grow twice that size. The narrow upright growth habit means they work well as a garden feature or mass planted as low hedgerows. They prefer moist well-drained sandy loam and do well when planted in coastal areas due to their tolerance for salty sea spray.

Arrives to you in a 3 gallon-sized pot.