Summer Sparkler™ Summersweet

Light Needs

Full Shade to Full Sun

(Can Grow In Most Sunlight Conditions)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 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.