Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' (Summersweet)
Sweet Pepper Bush 'Ruby Spice', Sweet Pepperbush 'Ruby Spice', Summer Sweet 'Ruby Spice', Summersweet 'Ruby Spice'Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet), also known as Sweet Pepper Bush ‘Ruby Spice’, is a deciduous shrub that thrives in various garden settings. It grows to a height of 3 to 5 feet, with a similar spread. The plant features glossy green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Its stunning pink flowers bloom in late summer, providing a fragrant display. The blooms have a sweet, honey-like scent that attracts pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
This shrub thrives in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates wet soils, making it perfect for areas with poor drainage or rain gardens. Once established, it is also drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. Ruby Spice Summersweet is a versatile plant that adapts well to different environments.
Its compact size makes it ideal for use in borders or as a foundation planting. It also works well in mixed perennial gardens. You can use it to create a hedge or screen for privacy. The shrub is also deer-resistant, which makes it a great option for gardens prone to deer browsing.
In addition to its fragrant blooms, Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ offers color through its fall foliage. The yellowing leaves add another layer of interest to the landscape. This shrub is a fantastic addition to gardens, providing both beauty and functionality.
With its unique combination of fragrance, color, and adaptability, Ruby Spice Summersweet makes a striking focal point in any garden. It offers blooms when many other plants have finished flowering, keeping your garden vibrant even in late summer.
