Summersweet

About this plant

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' is a standout cultivar of Summersweet, prized for its showy, ruby-pink flower spikes that emerge in mid to late summer, filling the air with a delightful, spicy-sweet fragrance. These bottlebrush-like blooms are not only beautiful but also a magnet for pollinators, adding a lively buzz to your landscape when many other plants are fading. Its glossy, dark green foliage provides an appealing backdrop, turning a lovely golden-yellow in autumn. This versatile shrub boasts a compact and rounded growth habit, making it suitable for a variety of garden applications. It thrives in moist, even wet soils, and is particularly useful for brightening shadier areas or woodland gardens where other flowering shrubs might struggle. 'Ruby Spice' is also an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, or as a vibrant hedge. Its low-maintenance nature and resistance to deer make it a truly rewarding addition to the home garden. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' plays a crucial ecological role, offering late-season nectar to bees and butterflies. Its ability to tolerate a range of conditions, including coastal environments, further enhances its value as a resilient and beautiful landscape plant. Enjoy its long-lasting floral display and enchanting fragrance as summer transitions to fall.

Care & maintenance

Easy to care for. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Minimal pest or disease issues. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds.