Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Ruby Spice Summersweet) is a beautiful native deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant deep pink flowers, attractive foliage, and excellent value for pollinators. This improved selection of the North American native Summersweet blooms in mid to late summer, producing upright spikes of richly colored flowers with a sweet fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators.
The dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop throughout the growing season and turns warm golden-yellow in fall, adding additional seasonal interest to the landscape. Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ performs well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, woodland edges, native plant gardens, shrub borders, and areas with consistently moist conditions. Its compact, upright habit makes it a versatile choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
With its fragrant summer blooms, long flowering period, attractive fall color, and ability to support native pollinators, Ruby Spice Summersweet is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful and easy-care shrub with strong ecological value.
NOT INTENDED FOR CONSERVATION USE, PLEASE SEE STRAIGHT SPECIES