It also attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
This shrub usually grows to 3 to 6 feet in height, but can be up to 8-feet tall.
Summersweet typically spreads to 4 to 6 feet and forms an oval shape.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Some varieties are shorter than average for the species.
Plant summersweet in the spring.
After the bloom, the flowers leave small, dark brown seed capsule fruits that look like peppercorns.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These may survive into winter in some climates.
Summersweet can tolerate salty air and evensalt sprayfrom nearby streets in urban areas.
Being a water-loving plant, it works well at the edges of ponds, streams, and marshy areas.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Elsewhere, summersweet looks nice when grouped in planting beds or lined up as a shrub border.
Light
Plant summersweet in an area that receives full sun to part shade.
An area with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
This plant can work in a variety of soil pHs, types, and moisture levels.
Water regularly as needed so the soil does not dry out.
Water
Summersweet prefers moist soil and even grows well in areas with standing water.
Its natural environment includes wet and swampy areas of woodland as well as marshes and river banks.
Fertilizer
In early spring, fertilize your summersweet with a slow-release formula meant for trees and shrubs.
Keep in a high-humidity area, and cover with plastic.
They can be planted immediately, or the following spring.
Cover with a thin layer of sand, then keep them in low light under plastic.
Water seedlings as needed, then plant when they’re sturdy.
There’s no need for cold stratification to germinate.
Overwintering
Use a 3-inch layer of organic mulch to protect your summersweet in the winter.
Once spring comes, it’s possible for you to rake it away.
Common Pests/Diseases
The only common problems that this shrub faces arespider mites.
