'Hummingbird' Summersweet, Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

'Hummingbird' (Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird') is a dwarf varieety of summersweet, a deciduous shrub celebrated for its compact size, flower power, and delightful fragrance. 

Growing 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, 'Hummingbird' forms a low, dense mound that erupts with sweet-smelling white, bottle-brush flowers in mid- to late summer. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators flock to feed on the nectar of the thousands of tiny flowers. The flowers emit a sweet, spicy scent reminiscent of cloves or cinnamon, which intensifies during warm, sunny days.

As autumn approaches, the foliage of 'Hummingbird' takes on attractive hues of yellow and golden-orange, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. 

Summersweet is adaptable to various growing conditions but thrives in moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. It is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is one of the few plants that blooms reliably in full shade. Great for rain gardens, naturalizing, and places where erosion control is needed.