Clethra Alnifolia Ruby Spice #3
Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ is a compact, deciduous shrub renowned for its fragrant, soft pink flower spikes that bloom in mid to late summer. The flowers appear in upright, bottlebrush-like clusters along the stems, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. ‘Ruby Spice’ has a dense, rounded growth habit with medium-green foliage that turns golden-yellow to bronze in fall, providing multi-season interest. Its tidy, manageable size makes it ideal for small gardens, borders, foundation plantings, or mixed shrub beds, offering both ornamental beauty and wildlife value.
Hardiness Zones:
USDA Zones 3–8Mature Size:
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Typically 3–4 ft tall and 3–4 ft wide
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Compact, rounded, and naturally dense
Light Requirements:
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Full sun to partial shade
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Full sun encourages the best flowering and denser growth
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Too much shade → fewer flowers and less compact form
Water Requirements:
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Moderate, consistently moist soil
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Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates occasional wet soils
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Once established, somewhat drought-tolerant, though regular watering improves flowering and foliage health
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