Sugartina Crystalina Summersweet

Sugartina Crystalina Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Crystalina')

Sugartina Crystalina Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Crystalina') is a dwarf, deciduous native shrub known for its fragrant white summer blooms, compact habit, and exceptional adaptability. Bred for tight spaces and container use, this Proven Winners� selection delivers all the charm of traditional Clethra in a tidy, space-saving form�perfect for rain gardens, shaded borders, and pollinator plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Crystalina' is prized for its compact, mounded growth and abundant white flower spikes that appear in mid to late summer. The blooms are highly fragrant and attract a wide range of pollinators. Glossy, deep green foliage provides a clean backdrop throughout the growing season, and brilliant yellow fall color extends its appeal into autumn. Unlike many Clethra, it stays low and contained, reaching only about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic soils preferred; tolerant of sandy, loamy, or clay textures
• Water: Moderate to high; thrives in consistently moist conditions
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Compact size and fragrant flowers make it ideal for small-space accents
• Foundation Planting: Dwarf habit suits under-window or front-of-border locations
• Rain Gardens: Performs reliably in wet soils and low-lying areas
• Pollinator Gardens: Draws butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds in mid to late summer
• Container Gardening: Excellent choice for patios and decks with acidic potting soil

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep consistently moist, especially during establishment or dry periods
• Pruning: Minimal pruning required; shape lightly after flowering if desired
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if needed
• Mulching: Mulch to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity
• Protection: Avoid overly dry or alkaline soils for best results

Why Choose Sugartina Crystalina Summersweet?

• Fragrant White Blooms: Scented flower spikes brighten the landscape in late summer
• Dwarf Habit: Perfect for small gardens, containers, and tight spaces
• Native Plant: Provides ecological value while staying tidy and manageable
• Moisture Tolerant: Ideal for rain gardens and consistently wet sites
• Focal Point: Compact form and sweet fragrance make it a standout in any design

Clethra alnifolia 'Crystalina' (Sugartina Crystalina Summersweet) brings powerful fragrance, compact structure, and pollinator-friendly performance to gardens of any size�perfect as a low-maintenance focal point in wet, shady, or space-restricted settings.