Compact Summersweet

Compact Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Compacta'
(KLEE-thra) (al-nee-FOH-lee-uh)
Synonyms: Sweet Pepper Bush, ‘Nana’

There seems to be a lot of varieties of this plant popping up. From what I have seen the selections generally have a better habit and even some flower color (other than white). This has always been an standby plant for me as it can tolerate wet and shady conditions and still put on a good show. It spreads by stolons and can develop quite a large patch if left unattended. That is one reason I have taken to using the smaller versions and cultivars. 'Compacta’ gets up to 3 to 4 feet tall which is quite a bit smaller than the species. I usually do a little trimming in the dormant season to help keep it a little smaller and bushier.

Stolon: Botany: a creeping horizontal plant stem or runner that takes root at points along its length to form new plants.


Here is Santa giving me a personal wave in Manhattan.

Pink Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
(KLEE-thra) (al-nee-FOH-lee-uh)

Clethra is a good, easy to grow plant. ‘Ruby Spice’ is a superior cultivar in just about every way. It grows shorter and more compact than most of the others. Add in the glossy dark green foliage, beautiful flower color and a strong fragrance, and it really outdistances the competition.

Clethra can be a bit of a problem solver in the landscape. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, including wet areas. It is happiest in a moist part-shade. I added a couple of ‘Ruby Spice’ to a new perennial border that I am installing. It is blooming now and we were all captivated by it’s charm.