Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’ – Dwarf Summersweet

Selected by famed horticulturist Mr. Fred Galle of Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia for its compact form and floriferousness. The original plant was discovered by an intern, Richard Feist, growing near Hummingbird Lake, from whence comes it’s name. Despite the southern origin, ‘Hummingbird’ has proven completely cold hardy in our area. Summersweet is valued for its fragrant spikes of white flowers in midsummer when little else is blooming. Spreads by underground stems to form a nice clump over time. Foliage turns a golden yellow in fall. Common in the Shawangunk Mountains of Minnewaska State Park. Also known as Sweet Pepperbush.