All Plants :: All Trees and Shrubs
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
Ruby Spice Summersweet
Photo courtesy of Prides Corner Farms
- Native with deep green foliage
- Deep, red-pink flower mid-summer
- Flowers do not fade
- Delicious fragrance
Border or Bed
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant
Garden
Native
Salt Tolerant
Water's Edge / Bog Plant
Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Prefers average moisture, acidic soil rich in organic matter and full sun to partial shade. If grown in full sun provide with sufficient moisture. Drought tolerant once established. Pruning can be done in late winter before new growth emerges to encourage bushy spring growth. Mulching is beneficial.
Height: 4-6 ft
Spread: 3-5 ft
Price Level 1: $49.99~#3
Bloom Color: Pink
Zone: 4-8
Additional Characteristics & Attributes:
Attributes:
- Fragrant
- Water's Edge / Bog Plant
- Fall Color
- Native
- Border or Bed
- Summer Bloomer
- Salt Tolerant
- Garden
- Drought Tolerant
Critter Resistance:
- Rabbit Resistant
- Deer Resistant
Exposure:
- Full Sun
- Full Shade
- Partial Sun
Habit:
- Upright
Foliage Color:
- Green
Season of Interest (Flowering):
- Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage):
- Fall
- Summer
Attracts Wildlife:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Hummingbirds
- Attracts Songbirds
Soil Moisture:
- Wet Soil/Wetlands
- Moist, Well-Drained
Genus Overview: Clethra
Common Name: Hummingbird Summersweet
Vase-shaped deciduous shrub with glossy dark green leaves which turn yellow in fall. Fluffy, bottle brush-like, white or pink flower spikes are very fragrant and bloom in summer. Great as an accent plant, in foundation plantings and shrub borders.