This summersweet is a sport of C. alnifolia ‘Pink Spires’. Its fragrant, bottlebrush flowers are a darker pink; they attract butterflies, bees, and other insects in late summer and early fall. ‘Ruby Spice’ grows to about 4 to 6 feet tall and almost as wide, making this shrub suitable for a bed or border, a woodland or shade garden, or a waterside planting. Its yellow fall color extends the season of interest.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsFragrant flowers. Attracts butterflies. Tolerates full shade. The species is native to the eastern United States.
CareProvide full sun to partial shade and fertile, preferably acidic, medium to wet soil. Summersweet tolerates clay soil and full shade.
PropagationTake greenwood cuttings in early summer.
ProblemsInfrequent
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Dramm Revolution Adjustable 9-Pattern Metal Hose Nozzle
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Clethra
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Late Summer
- Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers, Showy Fall Foliage
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium to Wet
- Flower Color : Pink
- Uses : Shade
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
