Clethra alnifolia Ruby Spice

Ruby Spice Clethra (Summer Sweet)

An improved form of the traditional summersweet. This easy-to-grow shrub has 4-6" long, fragrant, deep pink flowers that look like a narrow bottlebrush. The sweetly fragrant, nectar-producing flowers attract many pollinators, including butterflies.

It is an excellent addition to shade or woodland gardens and can be planted in moist soils along stream or pond banks. It works well for naturalizing in cottage gardens or naturalized areas. Plant near a patio to enjoy the fragrant late summer bloom. Its compact size makes this an ideal flowering shrub for smaller gardens.

It works well in natural areas, planted near the back where it has plenty of room to grow.

  • Deciduous, flowering shrub
  • Fragrant, deep pink flowers
  • Long-blooming period in early summer

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Landscape Characteristics
Flowers
Foliage Color
Fragrance
Classification by Use
Color Impact
Mass Planting
Native
Habit
Spreading
Upright
Light Requirement
Part Shade
Part Sun
Sun
Foliage
Deciduous
Fall Color
Season of Interest (Flowering)
Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage)
Fall
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Moisture
Average Water
Well-Drained
Wet Soil/Wetlands
Foliage Color
Green
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Clethra alnifolia Ruby Spice

Clethra grows well in moist soil in full sun to part shade.