Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') KLETH-rah all-nih-FOE-lee-ah Genus:  Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ summersweet is a newer cultivar of a popular native shrub. This compact selection reaches 3 to 5 feet tall. In summer, ‘Sixteen Candles’ is topped with aromatic, erect, butterfly-enticing white blooms for 4 to 6 weeks. In fall, the leaves turn an attractive yellow. Noteworthy Characteristics:  A shorter cultivar selected for its sturdy branching system and large (up to 6 inches), upright, white flowering "candles". Care:  Like other summersweets, ‘Sixteen Candles’ loves wet locations in partial shade but does fine in average garden soils in full sun. Supply plants with composted organic matter to encourage roots to spread. Wandering roots and stems can easily be chopped off and transplanted. Propagation:  Sow seed at 43 to 54°F in spring or autumn. Root greenwood cuttings in early summer. Problems:  Fungal dieback and root rot can occur.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Flowers, Native Bloom Time Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color White Uses Beds and Borders Style Shade, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Shrubs