Summersweet Clethra has induced me end my blogging hiatus.
Passing by a massing of this shrub yesterday, I was caught off guard by the
fabulous scent. Dr. Dirr describes it as “delightfully fragrant.” It’s not a
scent that is overpowering, but rather one of which you can’t seem to get enough.
Summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia) is a large summer-blooming
shrub that grows 3-8’ high and 4-6’ wide. The fragrant blooms are not terribly
showy but will last 4 weeks or more. This plant is “tremendously pest free” and
will do well in sun or shade and wet soils. Fall color is also a “worthwhile
attribute.”
The pictured shrub is the ‘Ruby Spice’ variety which is a
lovely soft pink. Bees, butterflies, and a variety of insects love this native plant.
If you have an informal shrub border with some space, use this plant. And in
other garden news, the American Plums are ripening!
