Clethra alnifolia 'September Beauty'

'September Beauty' Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia ‘September Beauty’ is a late-blooming summersweet cultivar valued for its extended flowering season, strong fragrance, and adaptability to moist or partially shaded sites. As its name suggests, it continues blooming later than many clethra selections, carrying sweet scent and pollinator activity into early fall.


Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous flowering shrub

Mature Size:



Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 6–8 ft



Bloom:



Upright racemes of creamy-white flowers



Sweet, spicy fragrance



Late summer into early fall (later than most cultivars)



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

Zones: 4a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering with sun)
Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soils; tolerant of clay and poor drainage
Water: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture


Features & Uses


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



Excellent for woodland gardens, rain gardens, shrub borders, and naturalized areas



One of the latest-blooming clethra, extending seasonal interest



Highly attractive to pollinators (bees, butterflies)



Fragrant flowers ideal near paths, patios, and seating areas




Care Notes


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



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



Mulch to retain soil moisture and maintain acidity

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

3-5'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Late Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Acidic, Clay, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Border, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact Rounded

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No