Park Seed
Clethra 'Ruby Spice'
Best low-maintenance native shrub for coastal gardens and wet soil conditions.
Clethra 'Ruby Spice' is a captivating native shrub celebrated for its multiseason appeal. It attracts butterflies with its large, profuse dark red to maroon blooms that open in late summer, offering a rich, sweet, spicy fragrance. As summer fades, the green foliage transforms into brilliant shades of yellow and gold, providing stunning fall color. This well-branched, bushy shrub is ideal for borders, foundations, or specimen plantings, reaching 4 to 6 feet in height and about 4 feet in width. It thrives in full sun to light shade and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including acidic and wet soils, and is also salt-tolerant, making it a great coastal planting option.
$22.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1597
/ 2598
#1597 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Virtual SKU
1104
/ v
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking fragrant blooms and pollinator-friendly landscapes
- Homeowners needing flowering plants for shady garden corners
- Busy gardeners wanting low-maintenance, deer-resistant shrubbery
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting plants that stay within a contained footprint
- Gardeners in arid climates without reliable irrigation systems
- Landscapers prioritizing evergreen foliage for year-round visual interest
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
The fragrant, nectar-rich blooms act as a magnet for local butterflies.
Environmental Adaptability
Thrives in wet, acidic, or salty soils where other shrubs struggle.
Seasonal Interest
Delivers vibrant summer flowers followed by brilliant golden autumn foliage.
Maintenance Ease
A low-fuss native variety that requires minimal intervention once established.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional cold tolerance allows for successful growth across diverse climate zones.
Structural Form
Naturally bushy habit creates a tidy, well-branched foundation for garden borders.
Key Specs
Virtual SKU
v1104
Genus
Clethra
Species
alnifolia
Variety
'Ruby Spice'
Hardiness Zones
3 - 9
Mature Height
72 inches
Mature Width
48 inches
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Features
- Attracts butterflies
- Fragrant late-season blooms
- Stunning fall foliage color
- Tolerates wet and acidic soils
- Salt tolerant, suitable for coastal areas
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Native plant
- Well-branched and bushy growth habit
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Clethra 'Ruby Spice' for its exceptional quality and reliable performance in the garden. Many highlight its beautiful, fragrant pink blooms that add a delightful touch throughout the summer, often noting its ability to thrive with minimal effort. Gardeners appreciate its robust growth and the vibrant color it brings, making it a truly rewarding addition that lives up to expectations. Its hardiness and consistent flowering are frequently mentioned as key benefits.
Know before you buy
This shrub typically reaches a mature height of 4 to 6 feet and a width of about 4 feet. Its well-branched, bushy habit makes it a great choice for borders or foundation plantings.
Clethra 'Ruby Spice' is hardy in zones 3 through 9, making it a versatile option for a wide range of climates across the country.
Yes, this variety is highly adaptable and thrives in wet, acidic soils. It is an excellent choice for areas where other shrubs might struggle with poor drainage.
While it thrives in full sun, it is also tolerant of light shade. You can expect the best fragrance and bloom density when it receives at least partial sun throughout the day.
Absolutely. 'Ruby Spice' is salt-tolerant, which makes it a reliable and attractive option for landscapes located near the coast.
It is considered an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance plant. Beyond initial establishment, it requires minimal care to maintain its bushy shape and vibrant seasonal color.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$23