Posted: June 24, 2022
Find out what is growing in the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Project NatureScape demonstration garden located at the Western Pocono Community Library in Brodheadsville, PA.
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Recently my sister began looking for a shrub for her garden and asked me for suggestions. She had criteria: a mid-sized shrub that tolerates part shade, something that blooms and extra bonus points if it attracts butterflies. She was leaning towards a butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii). I quickly convinced her to opt for a native alternative since the butterfly bush is non-native and invasive. Did you know that even though the butterfly bush attracts butterflies, it is not a larval host plant? But Clethra, because it is a larval host plant to at least 11 different species of moths, is not only a pollinator magnet, it also contribute to the food web. Whereas, butterfly bush easily produces thousands of seeds that in turn crowds out native plants that are vital for wildlife.
Clethra alnifolia, commonly known as Summersweet or Sweet Pepperbush, grows well in moist acidic soil, tolerates full sun/part shade, and has fragrant white or pink flowers in July and August. Not only do butterflies love it, but so do bees and hummingbirds. After the bloom fades, the mature fruit appears as brown capsules and remain throughout the winter, providing food for wildlife. The capsules look a bit like peppercorns, hence the name pepperbush.
Clethra is a fine choice for rain, meadow, shade woodland, and pollinator gardens. It also grows along stream banks. The shrub is hardy in zones 3-9 and is considered to be deer resistant. In ideal conditions, some varieties can grow to 12 feet, however, cultivars such as Ruby Spice and Hummingbird are more compact varieties and reach heights of 4 to 6 feet.
Pruning is suggested every 1-2 years for size control because Clethra spreads by suckers. In autumn the foliage turns from green to yellow/orange making it a visually interesting shrub in multiple seasons.
It's only been a month since my sister planted her Summersweet but she is happy with her decision to go native and her shrub seems happy in its new home.
For more information:
Native Shrubs for Pollinators. Penn State Extension.
Clethra alnifolia. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Native Plant Finder (tool). National Wildlife Federation.
Article by Catherine Emgushov, Penn State Extension Master Gardener
