Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

University of Maryland Extension Recommended Native Shrub

Maryland DNR Deer-Resistant Plant

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit

'Ruby Spice' summersweet is noted for its compact size and its fragrant pink flowers in late Summer. It is a narrow, densely branched, suckering deciduous shrub that typically grows just 4–6' tall, making it ideal for small gardens. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers part shade and consistently moist, acidic soils. Tolerates full shade. Clethras are appealing ornamental plants because of their fragrant, showy Summer flowers and their outstanding Fall color. The dense, narrow flowering spikes are followed by brown capsules which persist through Winter. Promptly remove root suckers unless natural look is desired.

Summersweet, also known as sweet pepperbush, is native to eastern North America. It grows in wetlands, bogs, and along woodland streams. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds use the flowers. Many birds and mammals eat the fruit. Attracts native bees. Host plant to several butterfly species.

Photo by Kathy Thornton