Hummingbird Clethra

Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’

A compact and highly fragrant native shrub, Hummingbird Clethra produces abundant spikes of sweetly scented white flowers in mid to late summer when many other shrubs have finished blooming. The upright, bottlebrush-like blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, bringing life and movement to the garden. Glossy green foliage forms a dense, rounded mound and turns warm golden-yellow in fall, adding another season of interest.

Smaller and more compact than other summersweet varieties, Hummingbird Clethra is perfect for borders, woodland gardens, and rain gardens. It thrives in moist soils and tolerates shade, making it a reliable choice for difficult garden spots.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade

• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil and tolerates wet sites

• Growth Rate: Moderate

• Mature Size: 3–4 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide

• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer

• Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed

• Soil Preference: Moist, acidic, well-drained to wet soils

• Landscape Uses: Woodland gardens, rain gardens, borders, mass plantings, naturalized areas

• Deer Resistance: Moderate