- 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 Know 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 Know 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 Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 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 Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know 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 Know 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 Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
