In-Depth Description
While the flowers look beautiful, the spicy, sweet scent of Clethra is its real draw for humans and a massive profusion of pollinating insects. Also known as “Sweet Pepperbush” this is a widespread coastal and freshwater wetland plant, but it tolerates drought well once established. Before the proliferation of lighthouses, many sailors knew this plant as “sailors’ delight:” when the winds were right, they could often smell Clethra in bloom before they saw land.
