Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’, commonly known as Ruby Spice Summersweet, is a native cultivar of Summersweet valued for its fragrant pink summer flowers, upright habit, and strong pollinator appeal. This deciduous shrub typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shape well suited for mixed shrub borders, woodland edges, and native plantings.

In early to mid-summer, upright flower spikes emerge in shades of rosy pink, releasing a sweet fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The colorful blooms offer a richer floral display than white-flowering selections while maintaining the same dependable performance. Glossy green foliage provides a lush backdrop through the growing season.

Ruby Spice Summersweet grows best in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, acidic soils, though it adapts well to average garden conditions once established. Its tolerance for shade and moisture makes it a reliable option for rain gardens and partially shaded areas where flowering shrubs are often limited.

Why choose Ruby Spice Summersweet

Pink blooms: Rosy flower spikes add distinctive summer color
Fragrant flowers: Sweet scent enhances garden spaces
Pollinator appeal: Attracts bees and beneficial insects

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil needs: Prefers moist, acidic soils
Maintenance: Low—prune after flowering if shaping is desired

Designs for your garden

Woodland gardens: Performs well beneath taller trees
Rain gardens: Handles moist soil conditions
Native plantings: Fits naturally into ecological landscapes

Ecological benefits

Native cultivar shrub: Derived from a North American species
Pollinator support: Provides nectar during summer
Low-input plant: Performs well with minimal care

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.