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Public Plant Profile

Sugartina® Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Crystalina' (Sugartina®)

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Summersweet

Sugartina® Summersweet is a fragrant, pollinator-friendly shrub ideal for foundation plantings.

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Mature Height: 3-4 feet

Mature Width: 3-4 feet

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: Summer

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-9

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Summer

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Sugartina® Summersweet is a compact, fragrant shrub known for its sweet-smelling white flowers that attract pollinators. It features glossy green leaves and is ideal for smaller gardens or as a border plant.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in a sheltered location.

Soil Preferences

Requires well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Tolerates a range of pH levels and is adaptable to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Watering Needs

Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods; keep soil consistently moist.

Pruning Notes

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

May face issues with powdery mildew or aphids; ensure good air circulation and monitor for pests.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

foundation plantingpollinator garden

Special Features

Fragrant flowersattractive foliage

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Tolerates humidity and wet soils.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for attracting pollinators and adding fragrance to the garden. Can be used effectively in mass plantings.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Sugartina® Summersweet may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sugartina® Summersweet a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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