Clethra Sugartina® Crystalina

Pepper Bush, Summersweet
$22.95 ea.
Order more to save! 3+ for $22.50 ea.
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Fragrant Shrub
Fragrant, pristine white flower spikes thrust out from the dark glossy foliage on this densely mounded North American native. Proven Winners selections are trialed and tested to be colorful, long blooming, carefree and easy to grow. Compact and mounded, covered with 4-6" fragrant flower spikes in the summer, very much like candles rising in the foliage. Fall brings a warm yellow hue to the foliage. Clethera is prized amongst summer flowering shrubs for their ability to bloom in partially shady areas. Road salt tolerant.

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Code CLSU

Patent PP21,561

Plant Type Shrubs

Species alnifolia

Height Medium 2-3'

Spacing Plant 4' apart

Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Late Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 4-9

Soil Type Normal, Acidic

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Deer Resistant
  • Fragrant
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Good for Hedge
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Clethra General Information

Clethra are upright deciduous shrubs. Foliage turns from deep green to yellow in fall. Will handle both wet and windy seaside locations. Common name refers to its black seed which resembles peppercorns. All have sweetly fragrant flowers, and prefer damp organic soil. Late to wake in the spring. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Clethra Plant Care

No pruning necessary, but shape in spring if desired. Older specimens can be freshened by removing some of the oldest wood as flowering is generally better on younger stems.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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