Ruby Spice Summersweet Clethra alnifolia – Fragrant Plant – 4 inch Pot

Ruby Spice Summersweet: A Garden Highlight

Discover the Ruby Spice Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), a fragrant shrub celebrated for its stunning deep reddish-pink flowers that resist fading. This plant adds vibrant color and delightful fragrance to any garden. Its yellow fall foliage provides extended seasonal interest, making it a standout choice for gardeners. If you’re looking for a shrub that offers beauty and fragrance, the Ruby Spice Summersweet is an excellent selection. The FIRST CHOICE AWARD ’98 is a testament to its beauty!

The Ruby Spice Summersweet offers a multitude of benefits. Its vibrant reddish-pink flowers attract pollinators, enriching your garden’s ecosystem. The fragrant blooms fill the air with a sweet scent, creating a pleasant outdoor environment. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a beautiful yellow, providing a final burst of color before winter. This shrub is relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. With its adaptability to various soil types and its hardiness in zones 4-8, it’s a versatile addition to any landscape.

Key Features:

• Deep Reddish-Pink Flowers: Enjoy vibrant, long-lasting color.
• Fragrant Blooms: A sweet scent enhances your garden experience.
• Yellow Fall Color: Provides seasonal beauty.
• Adaptable: Thrives in zones 4-8.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to care for.

The Ruby Spice Summersweet typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet, making it an ideal size for borders, hedges, or as a standalone specimen. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure for optimal flowering. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will keep your plant healthy and vibrant. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain its shape. A light application of fertilizer in the spring will promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the mature size of the Ruby Spice Summersweet? It typically grows to be 4-6 feet tall and wide.
2. What type of soil does it prefer? This shrub prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
3. How much sunlight does it need? It thrives in partial to full sun, needing at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily.
4. When is the best time to plant it? The best time to plant is in the spring or fall.
5. How often should I water it? Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.