Summersweet (clethra aln. ‘sixteen candles’)

Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles', also known as Summersweet, is a compact, upright shrub prized for its fragrant, creamy-white flower spikes that bloom in mid-to-late summer. These bottlebrush-like flowers attract butterflies and pollinators, adding lively movement to the garden. Unlike some Clethra varieties, 'Sixteen Candles' maintains a tidy, well-structured shape without flopping.

This low-maintenance, moisture-loving shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, borders, and rain gardens. In fall, its dark green foliage turns a warm golden yellow, adding seasonal interest.