Thursday, August 03, 2006




Pink Summersweet
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'
(KLEE-thra) (al-nee-FOH-lee-uh)

Clethra is a good, easy to grow plant. ‘Ruby Spice’ is a superior cultivar in just about every way. It grows shorter and more compact than most of the others. Add in the glossy dark green foliage, beautiful flower color and a strong fragrance, and it really outdistances the competition.

Clethra can be a bit of a problem solver in the landscape. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, including wet areas. It is happiest in a moist part-shade. I added a couple of ‘Ruby Spice’ to a new perennial border that I am installing. It is blooming now and we were all captivated by it’s charm.

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