Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Novacleein' PP27,590
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Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet - #3 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer
Growing Zones
Fragrant, Eye-Catching Delight: Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet
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.
- Foundation Planting: Add structure and seasonal interest around your home with its compact, tidy form.
- Pollinator Gardens: Incorporate it into a pollinator-friendly garden for a burst of summer activity.
- Moist Areas: Plant near ponds, streams, or rain gardens, as this shrub tolerates wet soils beautifully.
- Borders and Hedges: Use as low-growing hedges or mixed shrub borders for fragrant garden edging.
- Containers: Perfectly sized for patio planters, it brings fragrance and beauty to outdoor entertaining areas.
- 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.
