Origin: A selection from seedlings of Clethra 'Hummingbird'

Family:  Clethraceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  4-6'
Spacing:  2-3'
Blooms:  Showy, fragrant, white, erect, candle-like, late Summer
Foliage:  Aromatic, deciduous, oblong, glossy, serrated, blue-green, spicy sweet
Soil:  Well-drained, organic compost, moist
Water:  Moderate
Fruit:  3-Valved, in Winter 
Uses:  Fall interest, landscape, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, accent, wet garden, around ponds
Propagation:  Seeds (In Spring/Fall), softwood cuttings, layering, rhizomatous rootball divisions (In Summer)
Comments:  Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles or Summersweet or Sweet Pepper Bush is a beautiful deciduous shrub with a dense, rhizomatous, mounding growth habit.  It is a selection from the seedlings of Clethra 'Hummingbird'.  In mid-Summer or early Fall, Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles' produces exquisite, aromatic, erect, white, candle-like blossoms appear, followed later by seeds.  Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are very much attracted to the nectar-rich blossoms while birds enjoy feasting on the seeds.  Summersweet has aromatic deep, blue-green foliage that has a spicy sweet scent.  It is easily propagated from seeds, layering, rhizomatous rootball divisions or cuttings.  Sweet Pepper Bush thrives best in well-drained, organic-rich compost, moist, acidic soil, in a sunny to part shade location.  It has rhizomatous roots that puts out suckers which can be removed and transplanted.  Prune early if necessary in Spring to promote new growth.  Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles' looks delightful in the shady wet garden or around ponds.  It is an ideal accent plant  The glowy foliage in the Fall looks delightful. Summersweet is showy and is highly sought by many gardeners.  It is a splendid show stopper.

USDA Zones:  3-9