Deciduous Shrub – Summersweet ‘Ruby Spice’

Summersweet ‘Ruby Spice’

Botanical name: clethra alnifolia ‘ruby spice’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: up to 7 ft in height with a spread of 5 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 4-8 

Growth rate: grows 6-12 inches per year 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: pink

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early during dormancy to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: pollinator garden, shade garden, borders/edging, seasonal hedge 

Special features: long-lasting blooms, attracts pollinators, disease resistant, cold-hardy 

Light needs: 3-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: summer, spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  sand, loam 

Companion plants: coneflower, dogwood, boxwood 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for pets if ingested, potentially mildly toxic for humans if ingested in large amounts 

Invasive species: no