summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') KLETH-rah all-nih-FOE-lee-ah Genus:  Clethra This summersweet is a sport of C. alnifolia 'Pink Spires'. Its fragrant, bottlebrush flowers are a darker pink; they attract butterflies, bees, and other insects in late summer and early fall. 'Ruby Spice' grows to about 4 to 6 feet tall and almost as wide, making this shrub suitable for a bed or border, a woodland or shade garden, or a waterside planting. Its yellow fall color extends the season of interest. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Fragrant flowers. Attracts butterflies. Tolerates full shade. The species is native to the eastern U.S. Care:  Provide full sun to part shade and fertile, preferably acidic, medium to wet soil. Summersweet will tolerate clay soil and full shade. Propagation:  Take greenwood cuttings in early summer. Problems:  Infrequent.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Low Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Late Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside Style Woodland Garden, Cottage Garden, Shade Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs