Clethra alnifolia Rosea

Rosea Clethra

Clethra alnifolia ‘Rosea’ is a graceful summersweet valued for its soft blush-pink flower spikes, sweet fragrance, and excellent performance in moist or partially shaded sites. Blooming in mid to late summer, it adds gentle color and scent when many shrubs are past their peak.


Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous flowering shrub

Mature Size:



Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 6–8 ft



Bloom:



Upright racemes of pale pink flowers



Sweet, spicy fragrance



Mid to late summer



Foliage: Medium to dark green; develops yellow to golden bronze fall color

Zones: 4a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering with some sun)
Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soils; tolerates clay and poor drainage
Water: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil


Features & Uses


Form: Upright, rounded shrub with a natural, slightly spreading habit



Excellent for woodland edges, rain gardens, shrub borders, and naturalized plantings



Softer pink tone than ‘Ruby Spice’, ideal for subtle color schemes



Strong pollinator appeal (bees, butterflies)



Fragrant blooms make it well suited near paths and seating areas




Care Notes


Very low maintenance; prune lightly in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed



Spreads slowly by suckers—can be managed or allowed to naturalize



Mulch to conserve moisture and maintain acidic soil conditions

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Hot Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Loamy

Shape

Compact Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No