New England Wild Flower Society

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Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spire'

Pink sweet-pepperbush

While the flowers look beautiful, the spicy, sweet scent of Clethra is its real draw for humans and a massive profusion of pollinating insects. Sweet pepper-bush is a widespread coastal and freshwater wetland plant, but it tolerates drought well once established, and its profusion of late summer blooms becomes a point of anticipation. Before the proliferation of lighthouses, many sailors knew this plant as "sailors' delight:" when the winds were right, they could often smell Clethra in bloom before they saw land. 'Pink Spire' is a cultivar introduced in 1906 and valued for its light pink flowers, which do not fade with time.

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Height: 3-8 ft
Spread: 4-6 ft


Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
Cultivar
Exposure
Sun
Part Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Dry
Wet
Ecoregion
Not Ecotypic in New England
Ornamental Interest
Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
Host Plant
Attracts Bees
Attracts Butterflies
Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Tolerance
Drought Tolerant
Deer/Rabbit Resistant
Salt Tolerant
Additional Attributes
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Erosion Control/Soil Stabilization
Landscape Use
Massing
Specimen
Rain Garden
Hedge/screening
Growth Habit
Spreading/Suckering


North American Distribution


Pink sweet-pepperbush - Clethra alnifolia 'Pink Spire' from Native Plant Trust
by Dan Jaffe (c) Native Plant Trust