Overview

Coastal sweet pepperbush, Clethra alnifolia, is a Florida-native deciduous shrub with fragrant upright spikes of white summer flowers.

Mature Size and Habit

Plants commonly mature 4 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming an upright-rounded shrub that may expand by suckers.

Best Landscape Uses

Use in rain gardens, native borders, woodland edges, moist foundation beds, and pollinator gardens.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial sun is suitable, but soil moisture should increase with sun exposure.

Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation

Provide acidic, organic soil that remains evenly moist. The species tolerates periodic wetness better than drought and is a good choice near rain-garden margins.

Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida

Plant from fall through early spring so roots develop in mild weather.

Pruning and Maintenance

Flowers form on new growth, so prune in late winter before spring growth begins. Remove dead wood and thin old stems at ground level as needed.

Wildlife Value

The fragrant summer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, including during a season when steady nectar is valuable.

Cold and Heat Sensitivity

The native shrub tolerates Central Florida winter conditions and summer humidity.

Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings

No major toxicity or thorn hazard is commonly associated with the plant.

Invasive Concerns

This species is native to Florida and is not invasive.

Helpful Resources

Consult the NC State Extension profile for verified native range, size, moisture needs, bloom, wildlife, and maintenance guidance.