Sixteen Candles Summersweet - Clethra |
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Clethraceae Clethra Alnifolia Sixteen Candles |
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Grows In | Zone 4A · -30° to -25° F through Zone 9B · 25° to 30° F Grows in Ashburn! (Learn More) |
Sun Exposure | Full / Mostly Sun, Morning Shade / Evening Sun, Dappled Light / Filtered Sun |
Soil Drainage | Well Drained, Moderately Drained |
Flower Color | White |
Blooms | Summer Blooms |
Foliage Color | Medium Green |
Average Height | 5' to 6' |
Average Width | 3' to 4' |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Fragrances | Fragrant Flowers |
Noteworthy Characteristics
'Sixteen Candles' is a summersweet cultivar noted for its erect, candle-like flower spikes and compact size. It grows to 3-5' tall with a spread of only 2-3 feet and features narrow, fluffy, bottlebrush-like, terminal spires (racemes to 6" long) of extremely fragrant, creamy white flowers which bloom for approximately 4-6 weeks in mid-summer. Flower spires of the species may be erect, horizontal or arching, whereas those of this cultivar are, as the cultivar name suggests, more upright and candle-like. Toothed, ovate-oblong, glossy dark green leaves (to 4" long) turn a variable but generally attractive yellow/golden brown in fall. Flowers give way to dark brown seed capsules which may persist well into winter. Flowers are very attractive to butterflies and bees. Somewhat unique among summer-flowering shrubs because of its ability to bloom in shady locations.
Uses
Is useful as a single specimen, in groupings or as a natural hedge. Make sure to plant this fragrant wonder near outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed and the bu8tterflies can be watched.
Culture & Care Tips
Easy to grow in in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade and consistently moist, acidic soils. Tolerates full shade. Will form a patch if suckers aren't removed.