Clethra Ruby Spice

Ruby Spice Summersweet is a densely branched deciduous shrub native to the South.  Its glossy dark green leaves have attractive shades of yellow to golden brown in fall.  Sweetly fragrant rosy-pink flower spikes bloom late summer and give way to brown seedpods that last to winter.  Prefers part sun and acidic, moist, well-drained soil.  Type:  Shrub Origins: Eastern N. America Coasts; GA Native Height:  4’ - 6’ Spread:  3’ - 5' Spacing:  4’ USDA Hardiness Zone:  4 - 8 Culture:  Full Sun, Part Sun Bloom Color:  Pink Season of Interest:  Summer, Fall MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Do not let soils dry out.  Promptly remove suckers unless naturalization is desired.  Spider mites may be a concern in drier conditions.  LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Native Gardens, Hedges, and Containers. COMPANION PLANTS:  Aster, Weigela, Coneflower IMAGE: Photoset by  F. D. Richards, (1) Summersweet 'Ru