Clethra 'Ruby Spice'
Clethra 'Ruby Spice' is a captivating shrub celebrated for its darkest red, sweetly fragrant blooms that appear in late summer. Its handsome green foliage transforms into vibrant shades of yellow in autumn, offering multi-season interest. This easy-to-grow variety typically reaches 4 to 6 feet in height and 4 feet in width, making it an ideal choice for foundation plantings. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates a range of conditions, including acidic wet soil and salt spray, though its best color is achieved in full sun.
$22.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
2784
/ 3331
#2784 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Mature Height
6
/ Feet
Who it's for
- Vibrant, Non-Fading Pink Blooms
- Exceptional Late-Season Fragrance
- Versatile Site Tolerance
Who should skip it
- Aggressive Suckering Habit
- Pruning Timing Sensitivity
- Susceptibility to Dry Stress Pests
Key Specs
Mature Height
6 Feet
Mature Spread
4 Feet
Growth Rate
Fast
Bloom Season
Summer
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Watering Needs
High
Soil Type Preference
Sandy, Acidic
Fragrant Flowers
True
Features
- Sweetly fragrant rosy blooms in late summer
- Vibrant yellow fall foliage color
- Easy-to-grow, multiseason interest
- Pest and disease free
- Tolerates wet soil and salt spray
- Attracts butterflies
- Ideal for foundation plantings
- Best color in full sun
What customers say
Customers highly value the Clethra 'Ruby Spice' for its striking deep rose-pink blooms and exceptional sweet fragrance, offering a unique alternative to white varieties. This shrub proves reliable, thriving even in challenging partial shade and moist garden spots. While the initial plant size received sometimes disappoints relative to the cost, leading to temporary value concerns, the established plant delivers vigorous growth and beautiful golden fall foliage. Those patient enough to allow establishment report overwhelming satisfaction. The unique attributes, hardiness, and stunning multi-season display confirm it is a worthwhile long-term landscape investment.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$23