summersweet

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') is a native shrub, perfect for adding seasonal color and fragrance to your landscape. This adaptable plant grows best in moist to wet soils, so it's important to make sure it stays properly hydrated. Water Summersweet regularly during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater it. Aim to water deeply about once a week throughout the growing season, making sure to give the roots plenty of water each time. In extreme heat spells, water more frequently to prevent your plants from wilting. It’s also important to reduce watering during the winter months. Don't water Summersweet when temperatures are below freezing and the ground is frozen.

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') is an easy-to-grow deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day and can tolerate slightly more. For optimal growth and flowering, however, summersweet does best in full sun for most of the day. During the summer months, this plant can tolerateup to 8 hours of full sunlight. Too much direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day can lead to sunburn on the leaves. It is important to provide some shade during these periods to protect the plant.

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') is best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done by removing dead, damaged, or diseased stems that have no foliage, as well as reducing the length of canes to maintain shape. Since summersweet features an abundant number of stems, pruning is essential to allow for proper air circulation, ensure new growth does not overcrowd existing branches, and to enhance the overall appearance of the plant. Pruning should be done in moderation, as removing too much foliage can cause stress and damage to the plant.