Ruby Spice Summersweet — Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

Ruby Spice Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') is a densely branched deciduous shrub with sweetly fragrant, rosy-pink flower spikes in late summer. Glossy dark green leaves turn yellow to golden brown in fall, and brown seedpods provide interest into winter.

A selection of a species native to coastal eastern North America, including Georgia, Ruby Spice brings summer fragrance and fall color to borders, woodland gardens and informal hedges.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous flowering shrub
• Species origin: Coastal eastern North America; native to Georgia
• Listed height: 4–6 feet
• Listed spread: 3–5 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 4 feet apart
• USDA hardiness zones: 4–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; prefers part sun
• Soil: Acidic, moist and well-drained
• Flowers: Fragrant rosy-pink spikes in late summer
• Fall foliage: Yellow to golden brown

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub needs consistent soil moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out. Promptly remove unwanted suckers unless a spreading, naturalized planting is desired.

Use as an accent, in groups, along borders, in woodland or native-species gardens, or as an informal hedge. Containers should provide ample root space and drainage, with close attention to watering. Aster, weigela and coneflower are companion options where their growing requirements align.

Image credits: Photoset by F. D. Richards: Summersweet 'Ruby Spice'; Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice', 2016; Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice', SE Michigan, August 2020; Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice', 2014.

Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.