- Full Shade to Full Sun (Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Summer Sparkler Summersweet, Summer Sweet, Einstein Summersweet, Novacleein, or Clethra Alnifolia, is a compact, heavy-blooming, deciduous shrub packed with 12-inch floriferous spires of twisted, fragrant blooms, reminiscent of Albert Einstein’s trademark hair. These racemes, that bloom in spades during the early to midsummer, are bursting with tiny white flowers which have a spicy, intoxicating aroma. Summer Sparkler Summersweet grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet and is named for the fluttering lights of sparkler fireworks. This variety of summersweet offers seasonal interest with glossy, green leaves appearing in late spring.
Native to the United States, the Summer Sparkler Summersweet has dense, compact branches that form a soft mound. The snow-white flowers of this summersweet are an important summer source of nectar to critical pollinators, and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It makes an excellent groundcover and is deer and critter resistant. Summer Sparkler is an excellent, hardy option for shady areas, and it is tolerant of wet and salty sites.
Summer Sparkler Summersweet Care
The Summer Sparkler Summersweet performs best in partial sun, but can adapt to both full sun and dappled shade. The best type of soil for your Summer Sparkler Summersweet is organic, slightly acidic, and well-drained, but it can thrive in many types of soil. It will need regular watering to thrive, especially while it establishes.
To prune your Summer Sparkler Summersweet, cut old wood from the base in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It should be fertilized yearly in the early spring.
Summer Sparkler Summersweet Spacing
The Summer Sparkler Summersweet should be spaced 4 to 6 apart at planting. They make a great single specimen accent, or you can plant it en masse. Summer Sparkler is an excellent option grown anywhere you can enjoy its spicy, clove-like fragrance. It also makes a beautiful addition to a mixed shrub border.
Summer Sparkler Summersweet Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Full Shade to Full Sun |
| Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Spacing: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): White |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Specimen or Focal Point, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: |
| Common Name: Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet |
| Other Name(s): Summer Sweet, Einstein Summersweet, Novaclean |
| Scientific Name: Clethra Alnifolia `Summer Sparkler` |
- SKU:
- 1231009581-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations