Clethra Sugartina® Crystalina

Pepper Bush, Summersweet

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

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.

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 Features

Beneficial for Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Fragrant
Attracts Hummingbirds

Planting Sites

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.