Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

The fragrant flowers of 'Ruby Spice' attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The dense foliage also provides cover for small birds and beneficial insects.

Foliage: Deciduous; deep green leaves emerge in spring and turn golden-yellow in fall.

Flowering: Mid-to-late summer (July–August)

• Showy, fragrant rose-pink flowers (more vivid than other Clethra varieties). Blooms are upright bottlebrush spikes up to 4–6" long.
  

Wildlife Activity: Flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during peak summer when few other shrubs are in bloom.

• Fall Interest: Leaves turn buttery yellow, adding subtle autumn interest before leaf drop.
  
  

🏡 Foundation Plantings

• Adds summer flower power and fragrance near walkways, patios, or entryways.
  

🌳 Woodland Gardens

• Thrives in part shade and naturalized areas under tree canopies.
  

🦋 Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms.
  

🌼 Rain Gardens & Moist Sites

• Naturally suited for wet soils and excellent in low-lying areas or near ponds.
  

🌸 Mixed Shrub Borders

Its compact, upright form and summer blooms fill seasonal gaps between spring and fall flowers.

🪴 Scented Gardens or Sensory Spaces

• Fragrant flowers make it ideal for gardens where scent is a key design element.
  
  

'Ruby Spice' features dark green, glossy leaves that are oval and finely serrated along the edges. The leaves provide a fresh, lush backdrop for the striking pink flowers and turn a warm golden-yellow in the fall, adding additional seasonal interest.

• Flowering Season: Mid to late summer (July to September).
• Flower Description: This variety produces fragrant, deep pink flower spikes that bloom in dense, upright clusters. The flowers are long-lasting, often staying in bloom for several weeks, and release a sweet, clove-like fragrance. The color of the blooms does not fade, unlike other pink Clethra varieties, making 'Ruby Spice' a superior choice for summer color.

• Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall to allow the roots to establish in cooler, moist soil before the heat of summer or cold of winter.
• Soil: Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. It can tolerate wet conditions and is ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, or naturally moist areas. Adding compost or organic matter at planting time helps improve soil structure and drainage.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-5 feet apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation, which helps prevent disease.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood. This variety blooms on new wood, so annual pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages more prolific flowering.

'Ruby Spice' prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells or hot summer months. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Although it can tolerate short periods of drought once established, this plant performs best with adequate moisture.

Partial shade to full sun. Clethra 'Ruby Spice' performs best in partial shade, especially in hotter climates, where it benefits from afternoon shade. In cooler climates, it can tolerate full sun as long as the soil remains consistently moist.

Harvest for Floral Use: Flower spikes can be cut for fragrant summer floral arrangements. Harvest when flowers are half to fully open.

When to Harvest: Mid-summer, typically July through August. Best harvested in the morning for peak fragrance and hydration.

Tools & Method: Use clean hand pruners and cut stems just above a leaf node. Place cut stems in water immediately to preserve bloom freshness.

Seedheads: After flowering, small brown seed capsules develop. While not showy, they add light textural interest and can be left on or pruned for tidiness.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or apply organic compost to the soil around the base of the plant. Avoid heavy fertilization, as Clethra is not a heavy feeder. A second light feeding in mid-summer may help enhance blooming in poor soil conditions.

• Mulching: Mulch with a 2-3 inch layer of organic material, such as compost or bark, to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots. Mulching also helps maintain the slightly acidic soil conditions that Clethra prefers.
• Winter Care: Clethra 'Ruby Spice' is cold-hardy and does not require special winter protection. The shrub will lose its leaves in late fall, and new growth will emerge in spring. In colder climates, mulching around the root zone can provide extra insulation during harsh winters.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: This variety is generally pest- and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens. Proper spacing and regular watering will help prevent potential issues such as powdery mildew.

'Ruby Spice' is highly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which help facilitate the plant's pollination. No additional pollination care is required, and the plant is self-pollinating in most garden settings.

Clethra 'Ruby Spice' prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil and performs well in full sun to part shade. Pair it with companions that thrive in similar conditions and enhance its aesthetic appeal:

🌿 Moisture-Loving & Shade-Compatible Companions

• Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly) – bold berries and wet-soil tolerance.
  
• Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood) – great in rain gardens; adds winter stem color.
  
• Astilbe spp. – elegant feathery flowers and foliage contrast nicely with Clethra’s blooms.
  

🌸 Color & Texture Pairings

• Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ – large white blooms offset Clethra’s pink spikes.
  
• Hosta – adds bold foliage texture beneath Clethra’s arching branches.
  
• Ferns – such as Osmunda or Dryopteris for textural contrast in part shade.
  

🌺 Pollinator Garden Pairings

• Eutrochium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed) – attracts pollinators and matches bloom time.
  
• Monarda (Bee Balm) – bold colors and nectar-rich blooms.
  
• Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) – deep red flowers with similar moist-soil needs.