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Key characteristics

Family: Clethraceae
Height: 4 ft to 6 ft
Width: 3 ft to 5 ft
Flower color: Fragrant rosy pink flower spikes with densely packed star shaped blooms
Foliage color: Medium to dark green leaves with a smooth surface
Bloom time: Late summer to fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate to high
Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Pollinators attracted to fragrant nectar rich flowers and birds attracted to seeds

Shrubs

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

Ruby Spice Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' produces upright spikes of rosy pink, fragrant flowers in late summer to fall, held above the foliage and opening gradually along each raceme. Oval leaves are medium green with a softly textured surface, forming a dense, leafy framework that carries through the growing season. The foliage develops warm yellow tones in fall, while the flowers release a sweet, clove-like scent that draws bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate to high

Bloom time

Late summer to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Rain Gardens
Fragrant Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Manzanita · California lilac · Poppy · Foxtail lily · Oregano · Globe artichoke

Design tip

Fragrant pink flower spikes can bring both color and movement to the garden late in the season, when many shrubs have finished blooming. Its upright flowers look especially effective rising through looser foliage, creating a layered effect that feels natural while still giving the planting definition.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)