RUBY SPICE SUMMERSWEET

3 gallon

$45.49

CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA 'RUBY SPICE'

$45.49

Commonly known as Summersweet or Sweet Pepperbush, 'Ruby Spice' is a prize-winning deciduous shrub celebrated for its intoxicating fragrance and vibrant color. Unlike other varieties that fade to a pale pink or white, 'Ruby Spice' holds its rich, rose-pink hue throughout the heat of mid-to-late summer. This native powerhouse is a favorite for pollinators—including butterflies and hummingbirds—and is remarkably versatile, thriving in both sun and heavy shade. Its glossy green summer foliage transitions into a stunning golden-yellow in the autumn, ensuring multi-season interest in any landscape.

Quick Facts

Mature Height	4-6 feet
Mature Spread	4-5 feet
Grow Zone	USDA Zones 7-9
Bloom Time	June-July

Plant Care

Will this plant thrive in your climate?

Make sure you live within USDA Zones 7-9 by checking our Grow Zone Guide.

Select a site with moist, acidic, and well-drained soil. While it tolerates clay, it performs best with organic amendments like compost. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Water deeply immediately after planting to establish a strong root system.

'Ruby Spice' blooms on new wood. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove dead or damaged wood and thin out older branches to maintain shape. You may also remove root "suckers" at the base if you prefer a tidy look over a naturalized colony.

These shrubs are exceptionally cold-hardy. Ensure the plant is well-hydrated before the first hard freeze. In colder regions, a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base will protect the root system and help retain essential moisture through the winter months.

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