How to Grow Summersweet Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Summersweet shrub is a plant that blooms in the summer and has a sweet smell. It is a popular plant to have in the garden because it attracts bees and butterflies.

How to Grow Summersweet Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Summersweet
Sweet shrub
Pepperbush
Spicebush
Sweetfern

Basic info

The scientific name for the summersweet shrub is Clethra alnifolia.
It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern United States and Canada.
The summersweet shrub is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to be about 6 feet tall.
It has dark green, glossy leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer.
The summersweet shrub is tolerant of a range of soil types and prefers to grow in full sun or partial shade.
It is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively pest and disease resistant.
The shrub can be propagated through stem cuttings or by dividing the root ball.
It is a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
The summersweet shrub is relatively deer resistant and can be a good choice for gardens in areas where deer are a common problem.
The shrub is also tolerant of salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.

Related plant:
Hummingbird Summersweet Shrub

How to Grow

For summersweet shrub, first step is to find a planting location. It is best to choose an area that receives full sun or partial shade.
The second step is to prepare the planting area. This involves removing any weeds or grass from the planting area. It is also important to loosen the soil to improve drainage.
The third step is to dig a hole that is twice the size of the shrubs root ball.
The fourth step is to place the shrub in the planting hole. It is important to make sure that the shrub is level with the surrounding soil.
The fifth step is to backfill the hole with soil. It is important to gently tamp down the soil to remove any air pockets.
The sixth step is to water the shrub deeply.
The seventh step is to mulch around the base of the shrub. This will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
The eighth step is to fertilize the shrub. This should be done in early spring and mid-summer.
The ninth step is to prune the shrub. This should be done in late winter or early spring.
The tenth and final step is to enjoy your Summersweet shrub!

Related plant:
Hummingbird Summersweet

The Soil

About soil condition, Summersweet shrub (Clethra alnifolia) grows best in moist to wet soils that are slightly acidic. It will tolerate some flooding and drought but it generally prefers consistent moisture. It also does well in sandy or clay soils as long as the soil is not allowed to dry out completely.

Light requirement

Not too different with other members of the Clethra genus, the Summersweet shrub (Clethra alnifolia) is a sun-loving plant that thrives in sunny locations. It is a native shrub to North America and is commonly found in woodlands, along streams, and in open areas. The Summersweet shrub is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall. This shrub can grow to be about 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. It has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and turn yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The Summersweet shrub blooms in the summertime, producing small, white, sweet-smelling flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the summersweet shrub is one that is warm but not too hot. The plant does not like it when the temperature gets too hot and it will start to wilt. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become unhealthy. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become unhealthy.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this kind of plant needs a lot of fertilizer, but too much will burn the roots. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before new growth begins. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Continue to fertilize every month through the growing season. To encourage flowering, use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, such as 10-20-10.

Light requirement

Pruning your summersweet shrub is important to keep it looking its best. You should prune it in early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, cut back any overgrown branches to encourage new growth. Finally, shape the shrub by pruning back any branches that are growing out of place.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is generally done through stem cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is 6-8 inches long and includes 2-3 leaves. Cut just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to create humidity. Set the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and wait for the cutting to root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed and new growth appears, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or into the ground.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is fast, especially when the plant is young. With regular watering and fertilization, you can expect your summersweet shrub to grow about 2 feet per year. However, keep in mind that some varieties of summersweet shrub grow more slowly than others. If youre not sure how fast your summersweet shrub will grow, ask your nursery before purchasing the plant.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, Japanese beetle, and powdery mildew. Scale is a common problem for most shrubs, and can be treated with horticultural oil. Japanese beetles are also a common problem, and can be treated with insecticide. Powdery mildew is a common problem for most shrubs, and can be treated with fungicide.

Tips on Growing

Remember to water your summersweet shrub regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
Place your summersweet shrub in a spot where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
Fertilize your summersweet shrub regularly to keep it healthy and promote new growth.
Prune your summersweet shrub regularly to keep it from getting too leggy or overgrown.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your summersweet shrub from the cold weather.
Keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could affect your summersweet shrub and take action to prevent or treat them if necessary.
Harvest the blossoms from your summersweet shrub to use in arrangements or to make dried flower sachets.
Use a pair of sharp shears to cut branches from your summersweet shrub to use in crafts or floral arrangements.