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#6846
RIPPLE EFFECT™ SUMMERSWEET
Clethra alnifolia
'SMNCAC'
PPAF Plant propagation prohibited
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Jumbo gallon Potted
(SKU: 20339)
0 - Available Now -
Details
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List Price $45.00 Per Plant
Hardiness Zone: 4-10 · Mature Height: 3-5 Feet · Mature Spread: 3-4 Feet
Ripple Effect™ Summersweet lives up to its name by sending out ripple after ripple of sweet-smelling white blossoms throughout the summer months. Each floral spike pops against lush, deep green foliage, turning the shrub into a fragrant beacon for bees, butterflies, and admirers strolling through the garden. Its bloom performance is remarkable— abundant, sequential, and delightfully long-lasting.
This compact Clethra alnifolia tucks neatly into tight spaces without sacrificing presence. Whether placed near a porch, walkway, or patio, the perfume from its blooms drifts through warm air, creating a natural scent garden with zero effort required. As a native shrub, it fits seamlessly into pollinator gardens, woodland edges, or mixed landscapes where ecological value matters just as much as beauty.
Once autumn arrives, the show continues as the foliage takes on warm golds and ambers, adding another season of color before winter settles in. Ripple Effect™ Summersweet brings fragrance, form, and multi-season charm together in an easy-care package—a perfect choice for gardeners seeking a dependable, compact shrub that delivers sensory appeal from summer into fall.
RIPPLE EFFECT™ SUMMERSWEET Plant Characteristics
Bark Color*
| • | Green |
Bark Type*
| • | Smooth |
Brand*
| • | Proven Winners® Color Choice® |
Cultural Information*
| • | Leaf Scorch - Moderate Resistance |
| • | Leaf Spot - High Resistance |
| • | Powdery Mildew - High Resistance |
| • | Root Rot - High Resistance |
Flower Color*
| • | White |
Flower Type*
| • | Fragrant |
Growth Rate*
| • | Fast |
Leaf Color Fall*
| • | Dark Yellow/Gold |
Leaf Color Spring*
| • | Green |
Leaf Color Summer*
| • | Green |
Leaf Type*
| • | Deciduous/Herbaceous |
Plant Type*
| • | Shrub |
Preferred Soil Conditions*
| • | Adapts Well to Most Soil Types |
| • | Average |
| • | Prefers Low pH (Acidic Soils) |
| • | Salt Tolerant |
| • | Tolerates Low pH (Acidic Soils) |
| • | Well-Drained |
Propagation Methods*
| • | Cuttings or Divisions |
Season of Interest*
| • | Fall |
| • | Late Spring/Early Summer |
| • | Late Summer/Early Autumn |
| • | Spring |
| • | Summer |
| • | Summer Flowering |
0 review(s) for RIPPLE EFFECT™ SUMMERSWEET
RIPPLE EFFECT™ SUMMERSWEET Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips
- Recommended Soil:
- Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soils.
- Tolerates clay and periodically wet soils better than many shrubs.
- Ideal for rain gardens and sites with consistent moisture.
- Sun Exposure:
- Thrives in part sun to part shade.
- Can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
- Excellent choice for bright woodland edges.
- Irrigation Needs:
- Requires regular watering, especially during summer and establishment.
- Naturally adapted to moist environments; do not allow soil to fully dry out.
- Mulch helps retain moisture and cool the root zone.
- Feeding & Nutrients:
- Benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
- Organic compost boosts soil health and bloom production.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering.
- Pruning & Maintenance:
- Prune in late winter or early spring if reshaping or size control is desired.
- Remove spent flower spikes to tidy appearance if needed.
- Low-maintenance and naturally compact without heavy pruning.
Family: Clethraceae · Common Name: Summersweet
FREE with every plant purchased:
- The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
- A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
- Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
- Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
- Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.
We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.
Interesting Notes About RIPPLE EFFECT™ SUMMERSWEET
- A Fragrance Factory: Its blooms release a sweet, spicy perfume loved by humans and pollinators alike—especially in warm summer air.
- Sequential Bloomer Extraordinaire: Instead of blooming all at once, its racemes open progressively, extending the floral show far longer than typical summersweet.
- Born Native, Raised to Thrive: As a North American native shrub, it plays beautifully with wildlife gardens and supports local ecosystems.
- Moisture Lover With Style: Few shrubs look this good in damp soils—it's a natural fit for rain gardens and wet spots that challenge other plants.
- Four-Season Appeal: Summer fragrance, fall color, winter structure—Ripple Effect™ checks all the multi-season boxes without demanding attention.
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