Also known as "pepper Bush · 'indian' Soap · Coastal Pepperbush
Coastal Sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, celebrated for its fragrant summer blooms and adaptability.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in full sun for best flowering, but tolerates partial shade. More shade may result in fewer blooms.
Consistent Moisture Preferred
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Allow top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a broad range of temperatures within its hardiness zones. Protect from extreme winter cold when young.
Low to Moderate
25% intensity
Generally benefits from light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Coastal Sweetpepperbush prefers consistently moist soil but tolerates occasional dryness once established. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in winter, to prevent root rot. Adequate moisture is crucial for vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be done to shape the shrub and control its size.
Blooms are produced on new wood, so light pruning will not significantly affect flowering.
Propagate by softwood cuttings taken in early summer, or by semi-hardwood cuttings in mid-summer. Layering can also be successful.
Seed propagation is possible but may result in variable offspring; stratification is usually required for germination.
Container-grown plants benefit from repotting every 2-3 years. Repot in early spring before new growth emerges. Use a well-draining potting mix and a container only slightly larger than the current one.
This helps maintain adequate root zone aeration and prevents root-bound conditions.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Coastal Sweetpepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Clethraceae |
| Genus | Clethra |
| Species | Clethra alnifolia |
Similar in genus Clethra
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
