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Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Novacleein' PP27,590

Nature Hills Nursery
$8493
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct morning sun for the best bloom production and most compact form. Partial shade is certainly acceptable, especially in hotter climates (Zones 7-9), but you may see slightly fewer flowers and a looser, more open growth habit.
  • Soil: Summersweet loves consistently moist, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If you are dealing with heavy clay, amend the entire planting area with peat moss and compost to improve drainage; for sandy, fast-draining soil, the added organic matter will help it retain the moisture this plant prefers.

Watering Requirements

For the first year, ensure the root zone stays consistently moist—this typically means a deep watering two to three times a week during dry periods to establish a robust system. Once mature, Summer Sparkler™ is remarkably drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering or prolonged dryness will lead to smaller blooms, stressed foliage, and premature leaf drop.

Pruning Tips

This shrub blooms reliably on new wood, meaning it sets flower buds on the growth it produces in the current season. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, using a renewal technique where you cut back about one-third of the oldest, thickest canes right down to the ground. This simple annual haircut keeps the shrub healthy, controls its size, and encourages plenty of vigorous, bloom-ready new stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like an Azalea or Rhododendron food) in early spring, just as the new leaves begin to emerge. What to avoid: Do not use a high-nitrogen fertilizer after mid-summer, as it will push tender, soft growth that is highly vulnerable to damage from early frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12 Week of February 23rd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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Fragrant, Eye-Catching Delight!

Bring elegance and enchantment to your garden with the Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet PP #27,590 (Clethra alnifolia 'Novacleein'). Known for its showy bottlebrush blooms that look like sparklers, Clethra is also regarded for its captivating fragrance. This deciduous shrub is a standout performer in any landscape!

Its compact size and long-lasting flowers make it perfect for gardens large and small. Plus, it’s a magnet for pollinators, bringing life and movement to your outdoor space!

Summer Sparkler™ features gracefully arching branches adorned with glossy green foliage, serving as the perfect backdrop to its fragrant, bottlebrush-like blooms. These starry white flowers appear in mid-summer and last for weeks, offering not only stunning visuals, and blooms in shady locations, but also an irresistible fragrance that fills the air.

Key Features of Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet

  • Fragrant Blooms: Delicate, white bottlebrush flowers exude a sweet, spicy scent in mid-summer when few other shrubs are in bloom.
  • Pollinator Paradise: Attracts bees, butterflies, and Hummingbirds!
  • Compact Size: Grows 3–4 feet tall and wide, the glossy dark green leaves are perfect for small gardens or containers.
  • Seasonal Beauty: Glossy green foliage turns a stunning yellow in fall.
  • Easy Maintenance: Thrives in a variety of conditions, including wet soils.
  • Native Adaptability: A cultivar of the well-known native shrub throughout North America, Summer Sparkler™ is perfect for eco-friendly gardens.
  • Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer, ensuring its beauty remains intact.

How to Use Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet in the Landscape

This compact variety is versatile and easy to grow, making it a top choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

  1. Foundation Planting: Add structure and seasonal interest around your home with its compact, tidy form.
  2. Pollinator Gardens: Incorporate it into a pollinator-friendly garden for a burst of summer activity.
  3. Moist Areas: Plant near ponds, streams, or rain gardens, as this shrub tolerates wet soils beautifully.
  4. Borders and Hedges: Use as low-growing hedges or mixed shrub borders for fragrant garden edging.
  5. Containers: Perfectly sized for patio planters, it brings fragrance and beauty to outdoor entertaining areas.
  6. Woodland Gardens: Thrives in part shade, making it an excellent addition to shaded or woodland landscapes.

Summersweet Care & Maintenance

Summersweet is a fantastic deciduous shrub and Summer Sparkler™ keeps its native family hardiness throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9.

  • Light Requirements: Grows well in full sun to part shade. More sun encourages optimal flowering.
  • Soil Preferences: Adapts to a wide range of soils but thrives in slightly acidic soil, that is well-drained.
  • Watering: Loves consistent moisture, especially during establishment. Can handle higher moisture (not soggy) conditions.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. Summersweet flowers on new growth, so perform the bulk of your pruning when the shrub is dormant. Or you can simply deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
  • Mulching: Add a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots.

Sweet Summer Blooms!

The Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet is a delightful addition to any garden, combining compact beauty, intoxicating fragrance, and ecological benefits. Its versatile nature allows it to thrive in various settings, from sunny borders to shaded woodlands, and its ability to tolerate wet soils makes it a reliable choice for challenging spots.

Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, enjoy its sweet summer scent, or create seasonal interest, Summer Sparkler™ delivers unmatched charm with minimal effort. Add this native beauty to your garden and experience the joy of vibrant blooms and lush greenery year after year!

FAQs About Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet

How tall does Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet grow?
This compact variety reaches 3–4 feet in height and width, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

When does Summersweet bloom?
As its name suggests, the fragrant white flowers bloom in mid-summer, providing weeks of beauty and scent.

Can it grow in shade?
Yes, this Summersweet thrives in part shade and is a great option for woodland or shaded garden areas. However, in full shade, you will not see many flowers.

Is it deer-resistant?
Absolutely! Deer typically avoids Summersweet, leaving it unbothered in your landscape.

How do I care for it in wet areas?
It’s naturally suited for wet soils, making it a great choice for rain gardens or areas prone to water retention.

Growing Zones 4-9

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