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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

SUGARTINA® ‘Crystalina’

Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia

'Crystalina'

PP#21,561; CBR#4160

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Pair of Sugartina Crystalina Clethra in landscape Trio of Sugartina Crystalina Clethra in evergreen landscape Close up of spiky white Sugartina Crystalina Clethra flowers White Sugartina Crystalina Clethra flowers beginning to open In bloom Sugartina Crystalina Clethra in trial field YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Native to North America
  • Fragrant flowers
  • Dwarf habit
Description

Outstanding dwarf clethra.

Super useful Sugartina® 'Crystalina' clethra has a dwarf habit and fragrant, pure white flowers in mid summer. It has dark glossy foliage turns a nice bright yellow in fall. Developed by Dr. Tom Ranney at NCSU, it holds its tight, dense shape without pruning. Ideal scale and features list for residential landscapes!

USDA Zone
4 - 9 (-30°F/-34.4°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
2.5 - 3'
Width
2.5 - 3'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Grows well in moist and even wet soil though it will tolerate some dryness once established. Prefers soil pH on the acidic side.

Pruning

If pruning is desired, do so in early spring, when the new growth begins to appear on the stems.

Uses

Foundation plantings; mixed borders; wildlife gardens; naturalizing.

Growing Tips

Clethra is a reliable choice for flowering in shaded conditions, though flowering, fragrance, and fall color are all at their best with at least a few hours of sun each day.

  • Benchcard: Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Clethra benchcard
  • Tag: Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Clethra
  • Grower Sheet: Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Clethra grower sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Clethra; June 28, 2018
  • Spec Sheet: Sugartina® ‘Crystalina’ Clethra spec sheet
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

    • Features: Attracts pollinators, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Dwarf, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Salt tolerant, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Clethra, Common name: Summersweet, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Attracts pollinators, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Dwarf, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Salt tolerant, Award winner

    Filters: Botanical genus: Clethra, Common name: Summersweet, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage