Summersweet
Native
Pollinator
Deer-Resistant

Summersweet

Clethra Alnifolia Sixteen Candles

Sweetly fragrant white flower spikes bloom in summer, attracting pollinators to your garden.

$67.64

Size

Installation

About this plant

Meet 'Sixteen Candles' Summersweet, a compact and upright deciduous shrub celebrated for its stunning summer display. In mid-summer, it bursts forth with an abundance of pure white, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that exude a delightful, sweet fragrance, making it a favorite for both gardeners and pollinators. Beyond its captivating blooms, 'Sixteen Candles' offers attractive glossy green foliage that turns a brilliant golden-yellow in the fall, providing multi-season interest. Its neat, refined habit makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, or mass plantings where its fragrance can truly be appreciated. This award-winning cultivar is a proven performer, offering drought tolerance once established and a remarkable resistance to pests and diseases, ensuring a beautiful display year after year.

Care & maintenance

Easy to care for, 'Sixteen Candles' thrives in consistently moist, acidic soil. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or weak branches, as it flowers on new wood.

Quick facts

Type
shrub
Mature height
3-5 feet
Mature width
3-4 feet
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water
Medium to Wet
Growth rate
Medium