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Public Plant Profile

Hummingbird Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Summersweet

Hummingbird Summersweet is a fragrant, pollinator-friendly shrub perfect for gardens.

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Mature Height: 3 to 5 feet

Mature Width: 3-5 feet

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: Summer

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-9

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Summer

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Hummingbird Summersweet is a fragrant, deciduous shrub known for attracting pollinators, especially hummingbirds. It features glossy green leaves and produces dense spikes of white flowers in summer.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in a variety of soil types.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained with consistent moisture; adaptable to various pH levels.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Watering Needs

Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Pruning Notes

Light pruning after flowering can help maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Fertilizing Notes

A balanced fertilizer in early spring can promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

May face issues with powdery mildew or aphids in humid conditions.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

pollinator gardenspecimen

Special Features

Fragrant flowersattracts hummingbirds and pollinators

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Tolerates wet soil and is resistant to deer.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for adding fragrance and attracting wildlife. Works well in mixed borders.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hummingbird Summersweet a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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