This late-blooming native shrub attracts butterflies and hummingbirds but not deer.
A North American native,summersweetmarks the ending of summer with its fragrant white flowers.
In terms of soil pH, slightly acidic to neutral is best.
Marty Baldwin.
For perennial planting beds, there are compact varieties that add year-round structure and late-summer interest.
How and When to Plant Summersweet
Plant summersweet in the spring.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
Place the shrub in the hole and gently spread out the roots.
Backfill with the original soil so that the top of the root ball is flush with the soil.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil moist and water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system.
Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart, depending on the intended landscape use.
To grow it as a specimen, give it more space.
For a hedge, plant the shrubs closer together.
Summersweet Care Tips
Like most native plants, summersweet only requires minimal care.
Light
Plant summersweet in full sun or part shade.
It will grow in full shade but tends to have a less attractive, open and loose habit.
Water the shrub regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
Mature shrubs should be watered deeply in periods of drought.
To prevent soil moisture evaporation, blanket the soil around the shrub with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch.
It does not have any humidity requirements or issues with high humidity.
For the amount to use, consult product label instructions.
The best time to prune is after it has started to leaf out.
Fill the container with well-draining potting mix.
Like all potted plants, it will need frequent watering, up to daily in hot summer weather.
Although summersweet is very winter-hardy, container-growing exposes the roots to the cold, which can cause dieback.
If you live in a region with subzero winters.
Pests and Problems
This shrub has no serious insect or disease problems.
In dry conditions, it might attract spider mites.
Just check that to rake and collect all diseased leaves.
How to Propagate Summersweet
Summersweet can bepropagated from softwood cuttingsor seed.
When propagating summersweet, confirm that the variety is notprotected by a plant patent.
In the early summer take a 3- to 4-inch stem cutting of new, soft growth.
Keep the cutting moist at all times.
The cutting has rooted when it doesnt wiggle if you gently tug on it.
It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads 3 to 5 feet wide.
Zone 3-9
Ruby Spice
Unlike the species, Ruby Spice has rose-pink flowers.
It grows 4 to 6 feet tall and spreads 3 to 5 feet.
The traditional ninebark foliage color is a deep purple, but new foliage colors include gold and amber.
Zone 3-7
Dogwood
If a dogwood tree is too large for your space, consider adogwood shrub.
It lets you enjoy many of the characteristics of dogwood but on a smaller scale.
Several species native to North America produce flowers for local pollinators and berries for wildlife.
Zone 3-8
Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea, the purpleconeflower, is the most commonly foundEchinaceaspecies.
The landscaping options for planting coneflower are almost limitless as long as you plant it in full sun.
Zone 3-9
Frequently Asked Questions
This shrub has no known toxicity to pets or humans.
