{"title":"Summersweet","description":"\u003cp\u003eSummersweet (Clethra) — late-summer fragrant bottle-brush flowers that bees love. Vanilla Spice, Ruby Spice, Hummingbird, Crystalina, Sixteen Candles.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vanilla-spice-summersweet","title":"Vanilla Spice Summersweet","description":"\u003ch1\u003eExtra-Large Fragrant Blooms for Shade and Wet Soil\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eVanilla Spice Summersweet (\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Vanilla Spice') takes the beloved native summersweet and supersizes it, with flower spikes nearly twice the size of the standard species. In mid to late summer the whole shrub is covered in long, pure-white candles that pour out a warm, vanilla-sweet fragrance and hum with butterflies and bees. It's a standout for the moist, shaded spots where Maple Grove, Woodbury, and Edina gardeners struggle to get reliable late-season color.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Vanilla Spice'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–6 ft tall and wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade; tolerates shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMid to late summer (July–August)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge, fragrant white spikes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoist to wet; tolerates clay and poor drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLandscape Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVanilla Spice makes a showy fragrant hedge, anchors a rain garden, and fills shaded foundation beds and woodland edges with scent. Plant it near patios and walkways where the fragrance can be enjoyed, and pair it with hostas, ferns, and astilbe. Foliage turns golden-yellow in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant from spring through early fall. Spring takes advantage of Minnesota's moist soils, and planting six or more weeks before hard frost lets roots establish before winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil surface, backfill, water deeply, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWatering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 2–3 times per week and keep the soil consistently moist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter Year One:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water weekly, more in heat. It loves moisture and tolerates wet soil with ease.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrip Irrigation:\u003c\/strong\u003e A drip line or soaker hose keeps the root zone evenly moist all summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is Vanilla Spice different from other summersweets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts individual flowers and spikes are noticeably larger than the species, giving a bolder, more fragrant display on a full-size shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it's rated to Zone 3 and overwinters reliably statewide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it grow in wet soil and shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes to both. It's one of the best fragrant shrubs for damp, shaded spots and rain gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, deer generally avoid summersweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePair Vanilla Spice with our compact Crystalina and Hummingbird summersweets for a layered fragrant border, or browse our shade and rain-garden shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54306860826929,"sku":null,"price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/vanilla-spice-summersweet.jpg?v=1779567569"},{"product_id":"summer-sparkler-summersweet","title":"Summer Sparkler Summersweet","description":"\u003ch1\u003eFragrant White Spikes for the Shady, Damp Garden\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eSummer Sparkler Summersweet (\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e) lights up the late-summer landscape with a flush of fragrant, creamy-white flower spikes just as most shrubs have gone quiet. Compact and rounded, it's built for the moist, shaded spots that frustrate other plants, and its honey-sweet scent draws butterflies and bees from across the yard. A tough, native-type shrub that earns its place in Minnetonka, Blaine, and Lakeville beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 ft tall and wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade; tolerates shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMid to late summer (July–August)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFragrant white spikes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoist to wet; tolerates clay and poor drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLandscape Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse Summer Sparkler in rain gardens, along pond and stream edges, in shaded foundation plantings, or massed as a fragrant informal hedge. It mixes well with ferns, hostas, and astilbe, and finishes the season with golden-yellow fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant from spring through early fall. Spring planting uses Minnesota's naturally moist soils, while planting six or more weeks before hard frost ensures roots establish before winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equally deep. Set the crown level with the soil line, backfill, water deeply, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWatering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 2–3 times weekly and keep the soil consistently moist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter Year One:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water weekly and more in heat. Summersweet loves moisture and shrugs off wet soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrip Irrigation:\u003c\/strong\u003e A drip line or soaker hose keeps the root zone evenly damp through the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Summer Sparkler hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Summersweet is rated to Zone 3 and overwinters dependably statewide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it tolerate wet soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbsolutely. It's one of the best flowering shrubs for rain gardens and damp, poorly drained spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it bloom in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Bloom is heaviest in sun to part shade, but it flowers in shade better than most shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, deer usually pass it by.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePair Summer Sparkler with our shade and rain-garden shrubs, or browse the full Summersweet collection for compact and pink-flowering choices.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54307008348465,"sku":null,"price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/summer-sparkler-summersweet.jpg?v=1779567570"},{"product_id":"crystalina-summersweet","title":"Crystalina Summersweet","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Dwarf Summersweet Packed with Fragrance\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystalina Summersweet (\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crystalina', sold as Sugartina) brings all the sweet, spicy perfume of classic summersweet down to a neat, knee-high package. Upright white flower spikes cover the plant in mid to late summer, filling shady, damp corners with scent at a time when little else is blooming. Compact and slow to sprawl, it's a perfect fit for smaller Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan yards and tight foundation beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Crystalina' (Sugartina)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5–3 ft tall and wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade; tolerates shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMid to late summer (July–August)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFragrant white spikes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoist to wet; tolerates clay and poor drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLandscape Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCrystalina's tidy, compact habit makes it ideal for rain gardens, low fragrant hedges, and shaded entry beds where you want scent up close. It pairs beautifully with hostas, astilbe, and ferns, and turns warm yellow in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in spring through early fall. A spring planting takes advantage of Minnesota's moist soils, and planting at least six weeks before hard frost lets roots establish before winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep while keeping mulch off the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWatering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 2–3 times per week and never let the soil dry out completely.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter Year One:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water weekly, more during heat. It thrives in moisture and tolerates wet soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrip Irrigation:\u003c\/strong\u003e A soaker hose or drip line keeps the root zone evenly moist all summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does Crystalina get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt stays compact at roughly 2.5–3 feet tall and wide, making it one of the smallest summersweets available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it hardy here?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it's rated to Zone 3 and overwinters reliably throughout Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it bloom in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It flowers best in sun to part shade but tolerates shade better than most flowering shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, deer typically avoid summersweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombine Crystalina with our other compact, shade-tolerant shrubs, or explore the full Summersweet lineup for taller and pink-flowering options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Crystalina Summersweets Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a low fragrant hedge or rain-garden mass, space plants 2.5 feet apart so the knee-high mounds knit together:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun Length\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlants Needed (2.5 ft spacing)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–3 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12 plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy an entry or patio where you'll catch the scent, a group of 3 spaced 2.5 feet apart is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrystalina Summersweet Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leafs out late — don't panic in May; glossy green foliage fills in by early June.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The payoff — upright white flower spikes in July–August release a sweet, spicy perfume and hum with bees and butterflies when little else blooms in shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage turns a warm clear yellow, bright even in part shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tidy, compact twig structure with small seed capsules; rated to zone 3, so it shrugs off Minnesota winters with no protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Rain-Garden \/ Wet-Soil   ✔ Shade-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ruby-spice-summersweet\"\u003eRuby Spice Summersweet\u003c\/a\u003e — the deep-pink, taller cousin for a two-tone fragrant backdrop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hummingbird-summersweet\"\u003eHummingbird Summersweet\u003c\/a\u003e — another compact white selection to extend a low fragrant hedge affordably.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/vanilla-spice-summersweet\"\u003eVanilla Spice Summersweet\u003c\/a\u003e — extra-large flower spikes for the back of the same damp bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/creme-de-mint-dogwood\"\u003eCreme de Mint Dogwood\u003c\/a\u003e — variegated foliage that brightens the same moist, part-shade corner before and after clethra bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Crystalina Summersweet Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrystalina is the answer for damp, shady spots that defeat most flowering shrubs — rain gardens, downspout beds, north-side foundations — anywhere with steady moisture and sun to part shade. Deer leave it alone and pollinators flock to it. It's not a fit for hot, dry, sandy sites: summersweet sulks without consistent moisture, so skip it where you can't water through a drought.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54307143024945,"sku":null,"price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/crystalina-summersweet.jpg?v=1779567570"},{"product_id":"hummingbird-summersweet","title":"Hummingbird Summersweet","description":"\u003ch1\u003eFragrant Late-Summer Blooms for Shady, Wet Spots\u003c\/h1\u003e\u003cp\u003eHummingbird Summersweet (\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Hummingbird') is the compact, honey-scented shrub that finally solves the tricky corner of the yard most plants hate: damp, shady, and overlooked. When midsummer heat has most flowering shrubs finished for the year, Hummingbird erupts in dense, bottlebrush spikes of pure white that perfume the whole garden and pull in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It's a dependable, native-derived performer for Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury landscapes that want fragrance and pollinator action without fussy care.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eClethra alnifolia\u003c\/em\u003e 'Hummingbird'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–3 ft tall and wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade; tolerates shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMid to late summer (July–August)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlower Color\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFragrant white spikes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoist to wet; tolerates clay and poor drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLandscape Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHummingbird shines in rain gardens, along downspouts and pond edges, and in shaded foundation beds where its compact mound stays tidy. Mass it for a fragrant low hedge, tuck it under high-canopy trees, or pair it with ferns and hostas for a cool, woodland feel. Fall brings clear golden-yellow foliage for a late-season bonus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in spring through early fall. Minnesota's cool, moist spring gives roots a strong start, while a planting at least six weeks before the first hard frost lets it settle in for winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Loosen the roots, set the crown level with the soil surface, backfill, and water thoroughly. Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping it off the stems, to lock in the moisture this shrub loves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWatering\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 2–3 times per week. Summersweet genuinely prefers consistently moist soil, so don't let it dry out.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter Year One:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water weekly, more in heat. It tolerates wet feet far better than drought.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrip Irrigation:\u003c\/strong\u003e A drip line or soaker hose is ideal for keeping the root zone evenly moist through summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hummingbird Summersweet hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It's rated to Zone 3 and is one of the most reliably hardy fragrant shrubs you can plant here.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it grow in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt does. Full sun gives the heaviest bloom, but it flowers well in part shade and tolerates fairly dense shade better than most flowering shrubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, deer generally leave Summersweet alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it really attract pollinators?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery much so. The fragrant blooms are a magnet for butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds in late summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePair Hummingbird Summersweet with our other shade- and moisture-loving shrubs for a layered rain garden, or browse our full Summersweet collection for pink and full-size varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Hummingbird Summersweet Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a fragrant low hedge or rain-garden mass, space Hummingbird about 2.5 feet apart (it matures 2–3 feet wide):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRun Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePlants Needed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn rain gardens and under high-canopy trees, plant drifts of 3–5 at the same spacing — massed plants amplify the late-summer perfume. A single shrub works in a small damp foundation pocket with a 3-foot circle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHummingbird Summersweet Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the later shrubs to leaf out — don't panic in May; glossy deep-green foliage fills in by early June.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e The main event — dense white bottlebrush spikes in July–August, honey-scented and swarming with butterflies, native bees, and hummingbirds when little else is blooming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage turns a clear golden-yellow, glowing in shady corners; seed capsules form along the spent spikes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tidy twiggy mound with persistent seed-capsule spikes that catch snow; fully hardy to zone 3 with no protection needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Rain-Garden \/ Wet-Soil   ✔ Shade-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ruby-spice-summersweet\"\u003eRuby Spice Summersweet\u003c\/a\u003e — the deep-pink full-size summersweet the body points to; layer it behind Hummingbird for a two-tone fragrant drift.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/vanilla-spice-summersweet\"\u003eVanilla Spice Summersweet\u003c\/a\u003e — extra-large white flower spikes on a taller frame for the back of the same damp bed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/first-editions-fiber-optics-buttonbush\"\u003eFiber Optics Buttonbush\u003c\/a\u003e — native wet-soil pollinator shrub whose globe blooms overlap Hummingbird's spikes in midsummer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ground-hug-aronia\"\u003eGround Hug Aronia\u003c\/a\u003e — a native groundcover layer for the rain-garden floor in front, with glossy foliage and red fall color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Hummingbird Summersweet Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHummingbird thrives where most flowering shrubs fail — damp clay, downspout zones, pond edges, and part to fairly dense shade — and deer leave it alone while pollinators flock to it. It's not a fit for hot, dry, sandy spots: it tolerates wet feet far better than drought, and it will sulk without consistent moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54307310403889,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54307310436657,"sku":null,"price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/hummingbird-summersweet.jpg?v=1779567572"},{"product_id":"ruby-spice-summersweet","title":"Ruby Spice Summersweet","description":"\u003ch1\u003eFragrant Deep-Pink Blooms for Shady, Wet Minnesota Gardens\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuby Spice Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') brings rich, deep-pink fragrant flower spikes to late summer — the darkest pink of any summersweet, holding their color without fading. Like all summersweet it's a pollinator magnet that thrives in the shady, moist spots where most flowering shrubs sulk, finishing with golden fall color. Whether you're scenting a shaded rain garden in Edina, adding late color to a part-shade border in Woodbury, or planting for pollinators in Maple Grove — Ruby Spice brings fragrance and life to zone 4b–5a yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRuby Spice Summersweet Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSummersweet, Sweet Pepperbush, Ruby Spice Summersweet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–6 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–5 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — upright, rounded; suckers mildly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade. One of the best flowering shrubs for shade; afternoon shade is welcome.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to high. Loves consistent moisture and tolerates wet soil — excellent for rain gardens.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — hardy here\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrefers moist, acidic, organic-rich soil; tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Amend alkaline soil with compost.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — glossy green leaves turning clear yellow in fall.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -30°F. Hardy in the Twin Cities.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer-resistant — a good choice for high-pressure areas.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpikes of fragrant deep-pink flowers in mid-to-late summer; a magnet for bees and butterflies.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRuby Spice Summersweet Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShade and wet spots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the few fragrant flowering shrubs for shade and wet soil, Ruby Spice shines in a shaded rain garden, low spot, or part-shade border under trees in Edina or Minnetonka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLate color and pollinators\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts deep-pink, sweetly scented spikes fill the late-summer gap and draw bees and butterflies near a patio or path in Woodbury or Plymouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBorders and foundations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 4–6 feet it anchors a part-shade border or foundation, with golden fall color to follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Ruby Spice Summersweet in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window. Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring (late April–May, after the ground thaws) is the second-best window, giving the shrub a full season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Ruby Spice Summersweet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt loves moist, even wet soil, so low and rain-garden spots are ideal; part shade is welcome.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed with 20–30% compost; it prefers acidic, organic-rich soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 4 feet apart for a mass; it may sucker mildly to form a colony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a water basin to direct water to the roots; flatten it before winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch 2–3 inches with shredded bark, kept off the stems. Prune in early spring if needed — it blooms on new wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Ruby Spice Summersweet in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 2–3 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 3–5 days; never let it dry out — it prefers steady moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished summersweet prefers consistent moisture and tolerates wet soil — water deeply during dry spells; in a rain garden it often needs no supplemental water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrip Irrigation in Minnesota\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf used, place emitters 12–18 inches from the crown and keep the root zone evenly moist. Always winterize the system — blow out the lines before freeze and shut timers off by early October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is Ruby Spice different from white summersweet?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has the deepest pink flowers of any summersweet, and the color holds without fading — plus the same sweet fragrance and pollinator appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it grow in shade and wet soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — it's one of the best fragrant flowering shrubs for shade and thrives in moist to wet soil, ideal for rain gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does it bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMid-to-late summer, filling the bloom gap after spring shrubs finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — deer generally pass it by.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSixteen Candles Summersweet — a compact white-flowered summersweet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHummingbird Summersweet — a dwarf white summersweet for small spaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShop the full Three Timbers Minnesota catalog — zone 4-hardy plants hand-selected for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54307429024049,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54307429056817,"sku":null,"price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/ruby-spice-summersweet.jpg?v=1779567570"},{"product_id":"sixteen-candles-summersweet","title":"Sixteen Candles Summersweet","description":"\u003ch1\u003eFragrant White Candles of Bloom for Shady, Wet Minnesota Spots\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSixteen Candles Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') lights up late summer with upright spikes of sweetly fragrant white flowers that bees and butterflies can't resist — right when most shrubs have finished blooming. Compact and tidy, it thrives in the shady, moist spots where many flowering shrubs struggle, and finishes the year with golden fall color. Whether you're filling a shaded rain garden in Edina, scenting a part-shade border in Woodbury, or planting for pollinators in Maple Grove — Sixteen Candles brings late fragrance and life to zone 4b–5a yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSixteen Candles Summersweet Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"mce-item-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSummersweet, Sweet Pepperbush, Sixteen Candles Summersweet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–4 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — compact, rounded; suckers mildly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade. One of the best flowering shrubs for shade; afternoon shade is welcome.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to high. Loves consistent moisture and tolerates wet soil — excellent for rain gardens.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — hardy here\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrefers moist, acidic, organic-rich soil; tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Amend alkaline soil with compost.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — glossy green leaves turning clear yellow in fall.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to -30°F. Hardy in the Twin Cities.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer-resistant — a good choice for high-pressure areas.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpright spikes of fragrant white flowers in mid-to-late summer; a magnet for bees and butterflies.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSixteen Candles Summersweet Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShade and wet spots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummersweet is one of the few fragrant flowering shrubs that thrives in shade and wet soil — ideal for a shaded rain garden, low spot, or part-shade border under trees in Edina or Minnetonka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLate-summer fragrance and pollinators\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts sweet scent and pollen-rich flowers fill the late-summer gap, drawing bees and butterflies near a patio or path in Woodbury or Plymouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompact borders and foundations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 3–4 feet it fits foundations and smaller borders, with tidy habit and golden fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant Sixteen Candles Summersweet in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall (late August–early October) is the ideal planting window. Soil is still warm for root development, cool air reduces transplant stress, and the plant gets 6–8 weeks to establish roots before ground freeze (typically mid-November in the Twin Cities).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpring (late April–May, after the ground thaws) is the second-best window, giving the shrub a full season to establish before its first winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid summer planting (June–August) when possible. Never plant after mid-October or before late April — frozen ground or frost-heaving kills new roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant Sixteen Candles Summersweet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3× the root ball width, same depth as the container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt loves moist, even wet soil, so low and rain-garden spots are ideal; part shade is welcome.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed with 20–30% compost; it prefers acidic, organic-rich soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 3–4 feet apart for a mass; it may sucker mildly to form a colony.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a water basin to direct water to the roots; flatten it before winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch 2–3 inches with shredded bark, kept off the stems. Prune in early spring if needed — it blooms on new wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Sixteen Candles Summersweet in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeks 1–2: Every 1–2 days, deep and slow (15–25 minutes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1–2: Every 2–3 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3–6: Every 3–5 days; never let it dry out — it prefers steady moisture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before ground freeze (typically late October in the Twin Cities metro).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished summersweet prefers consistent moisture and tolerates wet soil — water deeply during dry spells; in a rain garden it often needs no supplemental water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDrip Irrigation in Minnesota\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf used, place emitters 12–18 inches from the crown and keep the root zone evenly moist. Always winterize the system — blow out the lines before freeze and shut timers off by early October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it grow in shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — summersweet is one of the best fragrant flowering shrubs for part shade, perfect under high tree canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it really tolerate wet soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — it thrives in moist to wet soil, making it an excellent rain-garden and low-spot plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen does it bloom?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMid-to-late summer, filling the bloom gap after spring shrubs finish, with a sweet fragrance pollinators love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it deer-resistant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — deer generally pass it by.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRuby Spice Summersweet — a pink-flowered, fragrant summersweet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArctic Fire Dogwood — a native shrub for wet, shady spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShop the full Three Timbers Minnesota catalog — zone 4-hardy plants hand-selected for Twin Cities yards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"#2 Gallon","offer_id":54307592339761,"sku":null,"price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/sixteen-candles-summersweet.jpg?v=1779567570"}],"url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/collections\/summersweets.oembed","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}