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Public Plant Profile

Ruby Spice Summersweet

Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

Category: Deciduous Shrub • Summersweet

Ruby Spice Summersweet is a fragrant, pollinator-friendly shrub perfect for gardens.

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Mature Height: 3-5 feet

Mature Width: 3-5 feet

Bloom Color: Pink

Bloom Time: Summer

Light: Part Sun/Part Shade

Zone: Zones 3-9

Maintenance: Moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Summer

Foliage: Deciduous

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Ruby Spice Summersweet is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, pink flower spikes that attract pollinators. It thrives in moist, acidic soils and is often used in borders and naturalized areas.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in a variety of soil types.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained with moderate moisture; adaptable to different pH levels.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Watering Needs

Requires regular watering, especially in dry spells; prefers consistently moist soil.

Pruning Notes

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

May face issues with aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

specimenpollinator garden

Special Features

Fragrant flowersattractive foliage

Wildlife Value

Attracts pollinators and provides habitat for birds.

Resistance / Tolerance

Tolerates humidity and clay soil.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for attracting pollinators and adding fragrance to the garden. Works well in mixed borders.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ruby Spice Summersweet a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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