Ruby Spice Summersweet is a densely branched deciduous shrub native to the South. Its glossy dark green leaves have attractive shades of yellow to golden brown in fall. Sweetly fragrant rosy-pink flower spikes bloom late summer and give way to brown seedpods that last to winter. Prefers part sun and acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Type: |
|
Origins: |
Eastern N. America Coasts; GA Native |
Height: |
4’ - 6’ |
Spread: |
3’ - 5' |
Spacing: |
4’ |
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
4 - 8 |
Culture: |
|
Bloom Color: |
Pink |
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Do not let soils dry out. Promptly remove suckers unless naturalization is desired. Spider mites may be a concern in drier conditions.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Native Gardens, Hedges, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Aster, Weigela, Coneflower
IMAGE: Photoset by F. D. Richards, (1) Summersweet 'Ruby Spice', (2) Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice', 2016 , (3) Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' (Summersweet) Photo by F.D.Richards, SE Michigan, 8/2020, (4) Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' 2014
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown