Professional Growing Information 
I planted three of these two years ago in a small clump where they get about 3 hours of direct mid-day sun. They bloomed for 5 weeks both summers. I've been especially impressed with the fall foliage -- a pleasant but not especially notable pale brownish/yellow with hints of pale green, but when planted beside a big-leaf rhododendron (English Roseum, in my case), the clethra seems to glow. I will definitely be planting more next year elsewhere in my garden.
Sugartina® 'Crystalina' Summersweet Clethra alnifolia
Exposure
- Part Shade to Shade
- Part Sun to Sun
- Sun
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Flower Season
- Summer
- Fall
Mature Size
Height
2'6" - 3'
Spread
2'4" - 3'
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Details
Features
Fragrant white flowers in mid-summer. Yellow fall color. Native. Attracts butterflies. Dwarf.
Fragrant FlowerFall InterestAttracts:ButterfliesResists:DeerNative to North AmericaSmall or MiniatureCharacteristics
Plant Type:ShrubShrub Type:DeciduousHeight Category:TallGarden Height:30 - 36 InchesSpacing:36 - 48 InchesSpread:28 - 36 InchesFlower Colors:WhiteFlower Shade:WhiteFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:Dark GreenHabit:MoundedContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Shade to ShadeLight Requirement:Part Sun to SunLight Requirement:SunMaintenance Category:EasyBlooms On:New WoodBloom Time:Mid SummerHardiness Zones:4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:AverageUses:LandscapeUses Notes:Excellent for mixed borders or woodland gardens. Can also be used in wildlife gardens. Its small size makes it a good fit for narrow beds or smaller gardens. Also good as a foundation plant.
Maintenance Notes:Little care is needed for this plant. It may be pruned to shape in late winter/early spring. It holds its tight, dense shape so heavy pruning is rarely needed. If desired, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants in early spring. Tolerates damp soils.
Add some fragrance to your late summer garden!
This dwarf summersweet has very fragrant pure white flowers that attract butterflies in mid-summer. It has dark glossy foliage and holds its tight dense shape without pruning. The dark green foliage turns yellow in fall. An excellent native plant for the home landscape.
Sugartina® 'Crystalina' Clethra alnifolia USPP 21,561, Can 4,160 -
9 Reviews
564132111Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Rod Cater, New Brunswick, Canada, 8 min ago
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I'm sorry to say I am disappointed with this shrub. I planted it last year. This year it did bloom mid-August. The blooms only lasted 2 or 3 days and then browned. Also I could not detect a scent. I was looking forward to a fragrant shrub.
Ksenia Turula, Illinois, United States, 8 weeks ago -
I planted this clethra spring of 2018, quart-sized. It grew nearly triple its size but did not bloom that summer. This year, it has been a strong grower and is blooming with many beautiful fragrant long-lasting blooms. Very pleased!!!
Marcia, Missouri, United States, 3 years ago -
Was delivered healthy and packaged very well. Out of all the shrubs I planted this one has the most new growth in the shortest time. I have only had it for a month or so but it is thriving in North Carolina.
Trisha, 5 years ago -
Wondering how long before new growth, (leaves) begin on previous years plant?
Robin Brening, 9 years ago -
This bush was given to me as a dead stick. It has been transplanted twice and is beautiful. Smells great and the deer never touch it.
Deborah Hartline, 11 years ago
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