summersweet

A small to medium size deciduous shrub that produces dense, candle-like flower spikes in cream, white or pink releasing a sweet, spicy fragrance in summer. Clethra provides rich yellow to orange foliage color in autumn. An ideal plant for moist sandy soils and partly shady areas, and wooded sites.

Plant in well-drained to moist, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Little pruning needed; spreads into broad clumps by suckering. Remove dead or undesirable branches as needed in late winter/early spring. Feed early spring and mid-summer with a slow release fertilizer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.