Summersweet Bushes

Summersweet Shrubs: Fragrant, Versatile & Easy to Grow!

Summersweet shrubs (Clethra), also known as Sweet Pepperbush, are the perfect addition to any garden! Renowned for their fragrant flowers, these deciduous shrubs bring beauty, pollinators, and year-round interest to landscapes of all sizes.

Summersweet flowering shrubs thrives in a variety of conditions, including shade and wet areas where other plants struggle.

Nature Hills Nursery offers a variety of unique Summersweet shrubs, each with its own charm! Whether you're looking for sparkler-like summer blooms, compact size, glossy foliage, or hardy, low-maintenance plants, Summersweet checks all the boxes!

Summersweet Varieties at Nature Hills Nursery

Native to Eastern North America, USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, these are adaptable shrubs! Nature Hills Nursery offers several stunning Summersweet varieties, each with unique features:

• Summer Sparkler™: Compact 3–4 feet tall size with fragrant white bottlebrush flowers and glossy green foliage.
• Ruby Spice: A favorite for its deep pink flowers and upright form.
• Hummingbird: Dwarf variety with pure white flowers, perfect for small gardens or containers.
• Sixteen Candles: Named for its upright, candle-like flower spikes; stays compact and neat.
• Sugartina®: Known for its long bloom period and strong sweet fragrance.
• Vanilla Spice®: Large, vanilla-scented blooms that outsize other varieties.

These varieties share the signature fragrance of the Clethra genus, making them a treat for the senses while attracting pollinators and wildlife.

Caring For Summersweet Shrubs

Summersweet shrubs are remarkably low-maintenance once established, but a little care and planting with Nature Hills Root Booster - a lifelong symbiotic root support. It ensures they’ll thrive for years!

• Light: Grows well in full sun to part shade, making it adaptable to many garden spaces.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils but tolerates wet areas exceptionally well.
• Watering: Water new plants regularly using the Finger Test to help them get established. Requires consistent moisture during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
• Pruning: Blooms on new growth, so prune in late fall or early spring for the best results.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.

Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and protect the roots.

How To Use Summersweet Bushes In Your Garden

Browse only for the Summersweet shrubs for your Planting Zone using our USDA zone filters, choose sun exposure levels, or narrow the options by flower color, size, and more!

Summersweet is prized for its versatility in the garden. Here are some popular ways to use this adaptable shrub:

1. Foundation Planting: The glossy dark green leaves add structure and seasonal interest around your home with its tidy form and lovely flowers.
2. Shrub Borders: Use Summersweet to create lush, fragrant borders that delight throughout the summer.
3. Privacy Screens: Plant in rows to form a natural, low-maintenance privacy screen.
4. Specimen Planting: Highlight its beauty by planting it as a standalone focal point in your garden.
5. Wet or Shady Areas: Summersweet thrives in difficult spots, including wet soils and part-shade to full-shade conditions. Fantastic in cottage and woodland gardens!
6. Pollinator Gardens: Attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators with its fragrant flowers.

Summersweet also adds ecological value, as birds feast on the dark brown seed capsules in the fall.

Why Choose Summersweet At Nature Hills Nursery?

Summersweet shrubs bring beauty, fragrance, and native versatility to any garden! Their ability to thrive in challenging conditions, like wet or shaded areas, makes them invaluable for gardeners dealing with tricky spots!

Whether you want to attract pollinators, create a privacy screen, or simply enjoy their delightful flowers, Summersweet shrubs are a rewarding choice!

Visit Nature Hills Nursery to explore the diverse selection of Summersweet varieties and find the perfect match for your landscape!

Summersweet FAQs

How fast does Summersweet grow?
Summersweet grows at a moderate pace, typically adding 6–12 inches per year under ideal conditions.

Can Summersweet tolerate full shade?
Yes, Summersweet can grow in full shade, although it may bloom less prolifically compared to plants in full sun or partial shade.

When does Summersweet bloom?
As its name implies, Summersweet typically blooms in mid to late summer, depending on the variety. The flowers often last for several weeks!

Are Summersweet shrubs deer-resistant?
Yes, Summersweet is deer-resistant, making it a great choice for areas with high deer populations.

Why Order Summersweet From NatureHills.com?

Family-owned and operated since 2001, Nature Hills Nursery prides itself on meeting the needs of customers with an ever-growing collection of online plants backed by our product guarantee and protected by Plant Sentry™.

All of our Summersweet are delivered safely to your home with instructions for planting, care and maintenance, so you can order knowing you'll have exactly what you need! Plus plenty more information in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog for extra support and inspiration!

Call now at (402) 934-8116 and learn more about what Summersweet are available for your landscape!