Skip to content

Hummingbird Summersweet

Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'

Design with this plant

Overview

The Hummingbird Summersweet 'Ruby Spice' (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') is a deciduous shrub, standing at 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. Known for its fragrant, pinkish-red flowers, it blooms in late summer, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Fall foliage is golden. Hardy in Zones 4-9, it's ideal for woodland gardens or mixed borders.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater HighZones 4–9
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — standing at 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — The Hummingbird Summersweet 'Ruby Spice' (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') is a deciduous shrubHummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — Hardy in Zones 4-9, it's ideal for woodland gardens or mixed bordersHummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterfliesHummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soilsHummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — commonly known as the Ruby Spice Summersweet or Hummingbird SummersweetHummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — including the buzzing namesake hummingbirds+26

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
4–9

Shape & size

Mature height
4–6 Ft.
Mature width
3–5 Ft.

Classification

Family
Clethraceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (33)

Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — standing at 4-6 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — The Hummingbird Summersweet 'Ruby Spice' (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') is a deciduous shrub
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — Hardy in Zones 4-9, it's ideal for woodland gardens or mixed borders
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — commonly known as the Ruby Spice Summersweet or Hummingbird Summersweet
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — including the buzzing namesake hummingbirds
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — As a cultivar of the Clethra alnifolia species
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — typically maturing to a height of 4-6 feet with a similar spread.<br><br>For the landscape designer
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — this deciduous shrub boasts a compact form
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — showing a strong preference for partial to full shade conditions
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — it's important to note that the Ruby Spice thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — It's highly adaptable to a range of soil types but performs best in moist, well-drained, acidic
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — the Ruby Spice's deep rose-pink blossoms are a standout feature
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — They are ensconced within glossy
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — dark green leaves that transition to an attractive yellow come fall
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — providing extended visual interest
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — <br><br>For client consideration
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — requiring minimal pruning and being resistant to most pests and diseases
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — this Summersweet is relatively low-maintenance
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — With a moderate growth rate
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — it's a suitable choice for residential landscapes
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — ensure a good mulching practice to retain soil moisture and to help protect the shallow root system
Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') — When establishing the plant

Related plants

Hummingbird Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Hummingbird') — The Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird' is a compact

Hummingbird Summersweet

Clethra Alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

Full · Zones 3–9

Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia) — Recognized for its adaptability; scientifically known as Clethra alnifolia, image 90

Summersweet

Clethra Alnifolia

Full · Zones 3–9

Sixteen Candles Summersweet (Clethra Alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles') — The Clethra alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles' Summersweet is a deciduous shrub renowned for its

Sixteen Candles Summersweet

Clethra Alnifolia 'Sixteen Candles'

Full · Zones 4–9