Sixteen Candles Summersweet is a compact native shrub prized for its upright white flower spikes, sweet fragrance, and excellent pollinator appeal. Unlike older Clethra varieties that can appear loose or sprawling, Sixteen Candles features a more upright, refined habit that fits beautifully into foundation plantings and smaller landscapes. Blooming in mid to late summer, it provides fragrance and color when many shrubs have finished flowering.
Key Features
Fragrant upright white flower spikes
Native pollinator-friendly shrub
More upright habit than traditional Clethra
Blooms in mid to late summer
Excellent for foundation plantings
Specs
Mature Height: 3–4 ft Mature Width: 2–3 ft Sun: Full sun to part shade (best with adequate moisture) Growth Rate: Moderate Zone: 4a; 4b; 5a; 5b; 6a; 6b; 7a; 7b; 8a; 8b; 9a Form: Upright / compact
Spacing Guidance
3 ft spacing
2–3 ft off structures
Excellent for:
Foundation beds
Pollinator gardens
Rain gardens
Woodland edges
Smaller landscapes
Why Clethra (Summersweet) Belongs in Your Landscape
Fragrant Summer Blooms - Sweetly scented flower spikes bloom in mid-to-late summer when most other shrubs have finished flowering
Thrives Where Others Struggle - Tolerates wet soil, shade, and even coastal salt spray better than most ornamental shrubs
Pollinator Favorite - Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout its long bloom window
Shrubs Grown to Perform in New England
At Pro Growers of New England, our shrubs are grown and maintained locally to perform in true New England conditions. From flowering varieties to evergreen foundation plants, each shrub is properly spaced, pruned, and cared for to develop strong root systems and balanced structure before it ever reaches your landscape.
Unlike large online sellers that ship plants long distances, we invite you to visit our nursery, walk the rows, and inspect the exact shrubs available. You can see the size, health, and fullness in person — ensuring there are no surprises upon delivery.
The two gentlemen that did the arborvitae installation were absolutely excellent. They listened to exactly what we wanted, mapped out the spots, and worked quickly and thoroughly to get it done. Outstanding work!
Top notch service and product quality. I didn’t know what to expect seeing the ads on Facebook, so I went to the greenhouse. They had a wonderful variety of products and a very helpful staff. The delivery and installers were fast, neat and friendly. Pro Growers will be me go to for now on!
It helps us recommend plants that are best for your local climate, based on your growing zone. Also, because we ship plants based on when they are best for your local climate, it allows us to give you a more accurate estimate of when your order will ship.
Randy Cheney
I was very happy with my experience! Pro Growers are not only a quality outfit, but they have the best prices hands down!
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
Randy Cheney
Top notch service and product quality. I didn’t know what to expect seeing the ads on Facebook, so I went to the greenhouse. They had a wonderful variety of products and a very helpful staff. The delivery and installers were fast, neat and friendly. Pro Growers will be me go to for now on!
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Cynthia Boardman
Starting with the owner, who gave us expert advice, along with a great group of installers, this company was a pleasure to work with.
Fair prices and great product. You can’t go wrong
Installation Service ($25)
Kayla Sem
Easy ordering, delivery and installation! Highly recommend ordering from Pro Growers of New England.
