Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ is a wonderful shrub that can add beauty and fragrance to any garden or landscape. It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves in the winter, and it tends to grow in a rounded, suckering form. This means that it sends out new shoots from the base of the plant, creating a dense and full appearance.
In terms of height, Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ typically grows to be about 3-6 feet tall, although it can occasionally reach up to 8 feet in height. The plant has a tendency to spread and fill out, so it can also have a width that is equal to or slightly larger than its height.
One of the standout features of this shrub is its beautiful and fragrant white flowers, which bloom in mid to late summer. These flowers are arranged in narrow, upright panicles, or racemes, that can be 2-6 inches long. The fragrance of the flowers is sweet and pleasant, adding another dimension to the overall appeal of this plant.
Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ is a versatile shrub that can thrive in various growing conditions. It prefers full sun to part shade, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can also tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter regions.
When it comes to soil, this shrub is adaptable and can grow well in a range of soil types. It prefers moist, well-draining soil, but can also tolerate some degree of drought once established. However, it is important to provide regular watering during dry spells to ensure the best growth and flowering.
Maintenance for Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ is relatively low. It does not require extensive pruning, but can benefit from occasional shaping to maintain its desired form. It is also generally pest and disease resistant, making it a reliable and low-maintenance addition to any garden.
In my personal experience, Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ has been a delightful shrub to grow. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as a border plant. The fragrance of the flowers is truly captivating, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, the dense foliage provides a nice backdrop for other plants in the landscape.
To summarize, Clethra ‘Sixteen Candles’ is a rounded, suckering shrub that typically grows to be 3-6 feet tall, but can reach up to 8 feet in height. It produces fragrant white flowers in mid to late summer, arranged in narrow panicles. This shrub is adaptable to various growing conditions and requires low maintenance. Its compact size and delightful fragrance make it a great choice for gardens and landscapes.
