Ruby Spice

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ is a standout native shrub prized for its fragrant rose-pink flower spikes that bloom in mid to late summer—right when most landscapes need color the most. This hardy, low-maintenance shrub thrives in sun to part shade and performs exceptionally well in moist or wet soils, making it perfect for foundation plantings, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. ‘Ruby Spice’ attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while its rich green foliage turns a soft yellow in fall for added seasonal interest. A great choice for tough spots, it delivers color, fragrance, and reliability year after year.

• Low Maintenance
• Attracts pollinators
• Thrives in wet soils
• Rain garden, ponds, woodlands edge, foundations, low hedge
• Deer resistant
• May spread through suckers over time
• Slow to moderate growth rate 

Height: 4-6 Feet
Spread: 4-6 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ Characteristics

• Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Season of Interest: Late summer to fall
  
• Soil Moisture: Wet to average soils
• Attributes: Compact, upright
• Foliage Color: Green that turns golden yellow in fall
• Care: After planting, keeping soil moist is crucial. Water deeply 1-2 times per week. Minimal pruning required- prune in Spring if needed.