Note: SCD does not ship plants, all orders are pick up only.

The flower spikes of Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' are not the washed-out shades of many pink selections, but a deep reddish pink that stands out from a distance against excellent dark green foliage. These colorful blooms retain the fragrance that makes Clethra a most desirable summer-flowering shrub.

The genus comprises about 30 species of small trees and shrubs native to the Americas and eastern Asia. Only a few are hardy, and those, including our East Coast native C. alnifolia, are known for their spikes of fragrant flowers in white or pink. Few ornamental shrubs bloom as late in the season— its buds wait until late July to open.

Clethra is amazingly adaptable, growing equally well in full sun or partial shade, and in moist conditions or dry (evenly moist soil is required in the South). It's an excellent choice for the natural garden or a mixed border and is essential in any low, wet spot.