Sixteen Candles Summersweet

Sixteen Candles Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles')

Sixteen Candles Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') is a compact, deciduous native shrub valued for its upright white flower spikes, clean green foliage, and manageable size. This selection is known for its dense, candelabra-like blooms that appear in mid to late summer, bringing strong fragrance and pollinator activity to shaded or moist garden areas.

Distinctive Features

'Sixteen Candles' features narrow, upright spikes of fragrant white flowers that rise above the foliage in mid-summer, resembling lit candles. The flowers are long-lasting and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Unlike taller Clethra cultivars, this variety stays compact and upright, with a rounded habit and minimal suckering, making it ideal for smaller gardens or more formal plantings. Foliage turns bright yellow in fall for added seasonal interest.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, acidic soils; tolerant of clay, sand, and loamy textures
• Water: Moderate to high; thrives in consistently moist soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Bright white flower spikes and fragrance make it a striking seasonal feature
• Foundation Planting: Compact, upright habit suits structured garden spaces
• Rain Gardens: Excellent performance in moist or low-lying areas
• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects
• Woodland Edges: Natural form and tolerance of shade make it ideal beneath trees

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture during dry periods
• Pruning: Prune lightly after bloom if shaping is needed; otherwise requires little pruning
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if growth appears weak
• Mulching: Mulch to retain moisture and support root health
• Protection: Avoid alkaline soils and prolonged drought conditions

Why Choose Sixteen Candles Summersweet?

• Upright White Blooms: Candle-like flowers provide mid-summer interest and fragrance
• Compact Form: Ideal for smaller spaces or formal designs
• Native Plant: Provides ecological value and seasonal color with minimal care
• Moisture Tolerant: Thrives in rain gardens and wet sites
• Focal Point: Dense bloom spikes and tidy growth habit make it a standout in shade or sun

Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles' delivers a clean, upright form, fragrant summer blooms, and native resilience�perfect as a compact focal point in rain gardens, foundation plantings, or shaded borders.