Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, containers.
Benefits: Fragrant white flower spikes bloom in midsummer when few other shrubs are flowering, filling the garden with a sweet vanilla-like scent. Dwarf habit stays under 3 feet tall — roughly half the size of standard summersweet varieties. Thrives in moist to wet soils and shade, making it one of the few fragrant flowering shrubs for difficult, low-lying sites.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Mounding, Rounded — tight, dense dome.
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Green, turning yellow in fall
Mature Height: 2.5–3 feet
Mature Width: 3–4 feet
Bloom Season: Midsummer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ brings the beloved fragrance and midsummer bloom of native summersweet into a compact package that fits where standard Clethra varieties cannot. At just 2.5 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, it is roughly half the size of species-type summersweet, making it ideal for foundation beds, narrow borders, and even large containers.
In midsummer, upright spikes of pure white flowers cover the dense, glossy foliage, releasing a sweet fragrance that some describe as vanilla and others as root beer — either way, it is one of the most pleasantly scented shrubs in the summer garden. Butterflies and bees are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms during the weeks when few other shrubs are flowering. The dark green, glossy leaves turn bright yellow in fall for a final burst of seasonal color.
Developed by Dr. Thomas Ranney at North Carolina State University and selected by Proven Winners® for its dwarf habit, Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ retains the toughness and adaptability that make native Clethra so valuable in the landscape. It thrives in moist to wet acidic soils, tolerates full shade, and is highly deer resistant.
Care
Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Summersweet Care
Plant in partial shade for the most attractive foliage, or in full sun if consistent moisture is provided. Sugartina® performs well in full shade, though flowering and fragrance are best with at least a few hours of sun daily. It thrives in moist to wet, acidic soils and tolerates clay, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, stream banks, and low-lying areas.
Water consistently, especially during establishment and in drier sites. Once established, it tolerates brief dry spells but performs best with reliable moisture. Fertilize in spring with a slow release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants if desired. Sugartina® holds its tight, dense shape without pruning; if shaping is desired, prune in late winter or early spring. It blooms on new wood.
Size
What Size is the Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Summersweet for Sale Online?
Our Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Summersweet ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Summersweet Grow?
Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ reaches 2.5 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, roughly half the size of standard summersweet varieties.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Summersweet?
The botanical name is Clethra alnifolia ‘Crystalina’ (PP21561). It is part of the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs collection.
Is Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ a native plant?
Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ is a nativar — a cultivar selected from the native species Clethra alnifolia, which is indigenous to eastern North America. It retains the ecological value and site adaptability of the straight species in a more compact garden-friendly form. It is a strong choice for Native Plants of North America gardens.
Is Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ deer resistant?
Yes. Summersweet is widely regarded as deer resistant and is rarely browsed. This makes it a reliable flowering shrub for shaded landscapes with deer pressure. Explore our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens collection for more options.
Can Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ grow in wet soil?
Yes. Clethra alnifolia naturally grows along streams, swamps, and wet woodlands. Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions and is an excellent choice for rain gardens, bioswales, and low-lying areas where drainage is poor.
