Summersweet blooms when most shrubs have finished.
In late summer it sends up slender, three- to six-inch spikes of tiny, strongly fragrant white flowers, [1a] and it does so even in shady spots. [1b] Its botanical name nods to its alder-like leaves: klethra is the Greek name for alder, and alnifolia means leaves like an alder. [1c, 1d] It is also called coastal sweet-pepperbush. [1]
This deciduous shrub is native from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, [1e] growing wild in swamps, damp thickets and sandy woods. [1f] It produces high-quality nectar and pollen for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees, [1g] and its dry seed capsules feed birds through winter. [1h] In good conditions it suckers into small thickets. [1i]
Plant it in moist to wet, acidic soil rich in organic matter, in full sun or partial shade; it will not take a hot, dry site. [1j] Once established it tolerates brief drought and flooding, [1k] as well as shade and clay. [2a] It flowers on new growth, so prune in late winter or early spring, [2b] and pull suckers if you want a tidier shape. [2c] Use it as a screen, a specimen or a fragrant border plant. [2d]
