Clethra 'Sixteen Candles' (3 Gallon)

Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ (3 Gallon)

Fragrant blooms that light up the garden—just like sweet summer memories.

Bring a little Southern charm to your garden with Clethra alnifolia ‘Sixteen Candles’, also known as Summersweet. This native shrub is a hometown favorite for its beautiful upright spikes of fragrant white blooms, which resemble glowing candles rising above glossy green foliage—earning it its delightful name. As the blooms sway in the summer breeze, they invite pollinators and evoke the simple joys of front porch evenings, family picnics, and sweet chats with neighbors.

🌿 A Bit of History & Meaning

Clethra is native to the Eastern United States and has long been cherished in cottage gardens and woodland edges. The cultivar ‘Sixteen Candles’ was named in celebration of a youthful milestone and symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and celebration—making it a thoughtful addition to any space where memories are made. It’s a plant that truly speaks to tradition, connection, and the beauty of life’s little moments.

🌞 Where It Grows Best

This easygoing shrub loves part shade to full sun and thrives in moist, well-drained soil—perfect for borders, woodland gardens, or around porches and patios where you can enjoy its heavenly scent. Its tidy, compact shape (typically 3–4 feet tall and wide) makes it ideal for smaller spaces or as a foundation plant.

🌸 Care Instructions

• Water: Loves consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (blooms best with 4+ hours of sun).

• Pruning: Minimal—just a gentle trim after flowering if needed.

• Soil: Prefers slightly acidic, rich soil but adapts well to most garden settings.

• Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

This plant is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and a wonderful way to invite hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies into your yard—just one more way to build a backyard full of life.

🌼 Lovely Plant Companions

Pair your Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ with:

• Hydrangeas – For a romantic, Southern garden feel

• Itea ‘Little Henry’ – Another native favorite with brilliant fall color

• Ferns and Hostas – For shady areas with lush texture

• Daylilies or Coneflowers – For summer color and pollinator appeal

Whether you're planting in memory of a special birthday, creating a pollinator-friendly patch, or simply adding something fragrant by the porch, Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ is a thoughtful, timeless addition to your garden family. It’s a reminder that the best gardens grow not just plants—but memories.