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!
No comments:
Post a Comment