CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA RUBY SPICE / SUMMERSWEET

CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA ‘RUBY SPICE’ / SUMMERSWEET

A Fragrant, Late-Summer Bloomer with Vibrant Pink Flowers

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ is a deciduous shrub prized for its showy, deep pink flower spikes that bloom in mid to late summer. Its sweetly fragrant blossoms attract pollinators, while its compact, upright form and excellent adaptability make it an ideal choice for a variety of landscapes.

Why Choose ‘Ruby Spice’ Summersweet?

• Striking Pink Blooms: Unlike other Clethra varieties, ‘Ruby Spice’ features rich, rosy-pink flowers that don’t fade.
• Late-Season Interest: Provides color and fragrance when many other plants have finished blooming.
• Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its sweet-scented flowers.
• Tolerant & Low Maintenance: Thrives in wet or dry soils, shade or sun, and requires little care once established.

Key Features:

• Fragrant Pink Flower Spikes: Dense clusters of deep pink blooms last for weeks in summer.
• Compact, Upright Growth: Forms a well-shaped, rounded shrub that fits well in small gardens.
• Attractive Green Foliage: Glossy green leaves turn a golden-yellow in fall, adding seasonal interest.
• Deer & Disease Resistant: Unappealing to deer and highly resistant to pests and diseases.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: Typically grows 4–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; flowers best with more sunlight.
• Soil Requirements: Adapts to moist, well-drained, or even wet soils; tolerates acidic conditions.

Ideal Uses:

• Foundation Plantings: Adds summer color and fragrance near patios and walkways.
• Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Supports beneficial insects and provides habitat for birds.
• Rain Gardens & Wet Areas: Thrives in moist or boggy soil, making it ideal for rain gardens.
• Borders & Mixed Shrub Plantings: Complements other summer-flowering perennials and shrubs.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ is a must-have for gardeners seeking a fragrant, pollinator-friendly shrub that brings vibrant pink blooms to the late-season landscape. With its adaptability, low maintenance, and multi-season appeal, it’s a perfect choice for any garden.