'Sugartina 'Crystalina' Clethra or sometimes called Summersweet shrub from Proven Winners is a native deciduous shrub. It is smaller in size, growing to about 3 feet tall. It typically grows in a compact, rounded fashion. The controlled size and ornamental appeal make it a great plant for a variety of landscaping areas. The foliage is dark green in color, with a glossy appearance. It will take on attractive yellow tones in the fall. The flower spikes bloom in abundance in the mid-summer time. They have a delightful fragrance and are bright white in color. Summersweet is highly valuable to native wildlife. The flowers provide food for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and a variety of songbirds eat the seeds. It is a host plant for the Sweet Pepperbush Nola Moth as well as at least 10 other species of moths and butterflies, making it a great alternative to the “butterfly bush” (Buddleia sp.), which provides less value to native insects and birds. While butterflies will drink its nectar, their larvae cannot survive on butterfly bush. Summersweet is the perfect native alternative! Care Sugartina Crystalina Clethra is a deciduous shrub. It is smaller in size, growing to about 3 feet tall. It typically grows in a compact, rounded fashion. The controlled size and ornamental appeal make it a great plant for a variety of landscaping areas. The foliage is dark green in color, with a glossy appearance. It will take on attractive yellow tones in the fall. The flower spikes bloom in abundance in the mid-summer time. They have a delightful fragrance and are bright white in color. Care It is recommended for USDA climate zones 4 to 9. Sugartina Crystalina Clethra will grow well in full to partial sunlight conditions. It will do well with average amounts of moisture in well drained soils. This plant has few pest or disease problems and it is deer-resistant. Growth Habit Clethra alnifolia ‘Crystalina’ reaches 30 to 36 inches in height, with a similar spread. Toxicity Summersweet is not considered toxic to pets but is considered deer resistant. Sorry, we do not ship plants in three gallon or above sized liners.
