Sixteen Candles Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'

Nature Hills Nursery

Sixteen Candles Clethra Blooms Late Summer in Shade Where Few Shrubs Flower
Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$86⁹¹

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) for the most prolific blooms, but it is one of the few flowering shrubs that handles partial shade well. In hotter climates, providing afternoon shade prevents the leaves from scorching while still supporting a healthy flower set.
Soil: Sixteen Candles prefers moist, acidic soils and thrives in spots where other plants might struggle with "wet feet." If you have heavy clay, incorporate organic compost to improve drainage; if your soil is sandy, add peat moss to help retain the moisture this plant craves.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system settle into its new home. Once established, this Clethra is remarkably dependable, but it will drop leaves or produce smaller flower spikes if the soil dries out completely. Consistent moisture is the secret to those lush, candle-like white blooms and vibrant yellow fall color.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety blooms on "new wood" (the growth produced in the current season), you should prune it in late winter or very early spring before it wakes up. Think of it like a spring haircut: remove any dead tips or thin out older stems to the ground to encourage fresh, vigorous shoots that will carry the summer's fragrant flowers. This timing ensures you don't accidentally cut off the season's flower buds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants once in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this forces tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A layer of organic mulch around the base will also provide a steady trickle of nutrients while keeping the roots cool and damp.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Flowering, Fragrant, Cold hardy, Disease resistant, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Slow
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'
Species	alnifolia
Cultivar	Sixteen Candles
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Sixteen Candles Summersweet hardy in?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This adaptable shrub tolerates a wide range of climates from cold northern regions to warmer southern areas. Plant it in your shady, moist spots for best results.

How tall and wide will Sixteen Candles Summersweet get at maturity?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet reaches 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings or mixed borders in shady spots. Plan adequate spacing when planting multiples available at naturehills.com.

Does Sixteen Candles Summersweet prefer full sun or partial shade?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet prefers partial shade to full shade rather than full sun. This shade-tolerant shrub actually thrives in shady, moist conditions where many other flowering plants struggle. Plant it in those darker spots of your yard where you want fragrant summer blooms and reliable performance.

What type of soil does Sixteen Candles Summersweet need to thrive?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet thrives in moist, well-draining soil and tolerates various soil conditions. This adaptive shrub particularly excels in consistently moist areas near water features or naturally damp spots. Plant it where soil stays moderately wet for best flowering performance.

How often should I water my newly planted Sixteen Candles Summersweet?

Water newly planted Sixteen Candles Summersweet 2-3 times weekly for the first month, then reduce as roots establish. This shade-tolerant shrub prefers consistently moist soil conditions. Check soil moisture regularly and maintain even watering through the first growing season for best results.

Is Sixteen Candles Summersweet a fast-growing or slow-growing shrub?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 12-24 inches per year once established. This deciduous shrub reaches maturity in 3-5 years. Plant in spring for best establishment and expect those signature fragrant white flower spikes by the second summer.

Is Sixteen Candles Summersweet deer resistant?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet is generally deer resistant, as deer typically avoid plants in the Clethra family due to their fragrant foliage and flowers. The strong summer fragrance that attracts pollinators tends to deter browsing deer. Plant it in your shady, moist areas where deer pressure is often highest.

Does Sixteen Candles Summersweet need to be pruned and if so, when?

Sixteen Candles Summersweet requires minimal pruning due to its low maintenance nature. Since it blooms on new wood in mid-to-late summer, prune in late winter or early spring if needed. Focus on removing dead wood and shaping rather than heavy pruning to maintain its natural form.

Sixteen Candles Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'