Summersweet Clethra Clethra alnifolia 'Crystalina'

Clethra alnifolia is the only species of Clethra native to North America. It grows naturally in poorly drained, moist soils, becoming larger and producing more suckers if provided with plenty of water (once established, it can thrive in drier conditions, but does not tolerate drought). C. alnifolia are unique among flowering shrubs because of their ability to bloom in shady locations in late summer when few other shrubs are in bloom.  

'Crystalina', is a cultivar of C. alnifolia, commonly sold under the trade name of SUGARTINA. It is a diminutive and refined summersweet with showy, fragrant flowers.  If you reign in the height of Summersweet with pruning, it greatly expands the potential of this native shrub in modern landscapes. Keep in mind when pruning that the blossoms will appear on new growth. Selected from a population of seedlings derived from an open pollinated 'Ruby Spice', 'Crystalina' provides a handsome improvement with a compact, rounded form. Flowers are particularly showy with long, floriferous racemes. It roots readily from softwood cuttings.

Like other Clethra, this cultivar tolerates wet soil. It will grow in full sun, but does best in light, dappled shade. Clethra prefer part shade and consistently moist, acidic, sandy soils. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. It tolerates clay soils and full shade and is excellent for coastal gardens due to salt-spray tolerance.

Insects, Diseases and Other Problems: 

In hot or dry conditions, the plant is susceptible to damage caused by spider mites, which can be severe.

More information on Clethra alnifolia.