Meet the Breeder
Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA
SUGARTINA® ‘Crystalina’
Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia
'Crystalina'
USPP 21,561; CBR 4160
- Native to North America
- Fragrant flowers
- Dwarf habit
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
General Care
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.
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