Hardiness
Zone 3
Discover the plant
Clethra 'Ruby Spice'
FamilyClethraceae
Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ is a highly sought-after ornamental shrub for its fragrant summer flowering and its deep pink to rosy red floral hue, more intense than that of other Clethra cultivars. It develops a dense, rounded, shrub-like habit, perfectly suited for beds, informal hedges, and naturalistic plantings, especially in moist soils. In summer, its long, upright clusters of nectar-rich flowers abundantly attract pollinating insects, adding significant ecological value to the garden. Its deciduous dark green foliage turns golden yellow in autumn, extending its ornamental interest into the late season. Very hardy and well-adapted to Quebec conditions, ‘Ruby Spice’ stands out for its robustness, colorful flowering, and excellent tolerance to fresh to waterlogged soils.
Soil and care
The rightconditions.
Fertilization
Acid-loving fertilizer in spring. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Not recommended – use Bionik rooting agent or ground bone.
Bloom and dimensions
The completeprofile.
Bloom periodSummer
Flower colorPink
Foliage colorGreen
Foliage typeObsolete
FruitingSmall persistent brown capsules
Maximum height1.2 to 1.5 m (4 to 5 feet)
Maximum width1.5 m (5 feet)
Growth rateaverage
Hardiness zoneZone 3
Minimum temperature'-34°C
