Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
913-585-5851 [email protected]
Get Quote
Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years 913-585-5851 [email protected]
Bold Outdoors
Get Quote
← Back to Plant Database Public Plant Profile

Hummingbird Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Summersweet

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

Request ConsultationBrowse All Plants
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

Community Photos

Upload some of your best photos for this plant by clicking below.

Some images in our plant database may be AI-generated or enhanced for visualization purposes.

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.

Maintenance Notes

Low

Complementary Plants

Plants That Pair Well in the Landscape

Selected using botanical relationships, growing conditions, color harmony, size, texture, season, and landscape use.

What Clients Say

★★★★★

“I have had great experiences with Bold Outdoors. Josh designed our home's landscaping and has been a valued partner for the past 7 years as we have added to and maintained our home's landscaping.”

Bill C.

★★★★★

“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence.”

Brad S.

Helpful Next Steps

Browse All PlantsSee Design ServicesRequest a Consultation

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.

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 plan.

Ready when you are

Plan your next outdoor project with Bold Outdoors.

Request a consultation and start shaping a landscape plan that fits your home, goals, and season.

Request Consultation