Ruby Spice Summersweet
A Deer Resistant Shrub With Pink Flowers
Deer don’t like the taste of this low-maintenance, versatile bush.
Ruby Spice summersweet (Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice') is a deciduous flowering shrub prized for its fragrant pink blooms and ability to thrive in moist, shady conditions.
A cultivar of the Eastern U.S. native Clethra alnifolia, this bush was developed for its deeper pink flowers, which stand out against the typical white blooms of the straight species.
It blooms in mid-to-late summer, offering a sweet scent that attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Like its parent species, Ruby Spice Summersweet is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that resists deer and adapts well to various soil types, including wet or poorly drained areas.
It grows 3-6 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for foundation plantings, woodland gardens, or rain gardens.
Its ability to produce shade flowers while maintaining vibrant color makes it a standout addition to any landscape. Read on for some design ideas about how to use this versatile shrub in your garden!
The bright pink flowers of Ruby Spice summersweet.
How to Grow Ruby Spice Summersweet
Light requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates full shade but will produce more flowers with sunlight.
Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay, sand, and wet soils.
Planting: Plant in the early spring or fall, giving young shrubs the chance to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Water newly planted shrubs regularly - to learn more about the watering requirements of young shrubs, read “How to Water Your Plants”.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods; drought tolerance improves once established. Are you in a drought? Check the US Drought Monitor map.
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; trim in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead wood.
Fertilizing: To promote healthy growth and blooms, apply a layer of compost or leaf mold to the soil each spring. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can also be used in early spring.
Pest and disease resistance: Naturally resistant to most pests and diseases; deer don’t like the taste of summer sweet and tend to avoid it.
Mulching: Add a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Propagation: Can be propagated by softwood cuttings in early summer or by dividing suckers.
Summersweet is late to leaf out in the spring. Don’t worry, be patient…it’s worth the wait!
Ruby Spice Summersweet, a deer resistant shrub with pink flowers.
Is Ruby Spice Summersweet Deer Resistant?
Ruby Spice summersweet is a deer-resistant shrub, and deer tend to avoid its fragrant foliage and pink flowers.
Rutgers University rates summersweet (also called sweet pepperbush) as “seldom severely damaged” on its list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, deer are less likely to browse summersweet, making it a great choice for gardeners in need of a deer resistant bush with flowers.
Looking for water-loving shrubs? Read “Wet Soil Shrubs: 10 Bushes For Soggy Soil”.
How Big Does Ruby Spice Summersweet Get?
Ruby Spice summersweet is a compact and rounded shrub. It typically reaches a mature size of 3 to 6 feet high and wide.
Its moderate growth rate (roughly 1-2 feet per year) makes it well-suited for various garden settings, including borders, side yards and small backyards.
With attractive foliage and sweetly scented blossoms, this shrub adds both beauty and fragrance to the landscape without overwhelming the space.
Where To Plant Ruby Spice Summersweet
Looking for landscape design ideas for Ruby Spice Summersweet? This versatile, deer-resistant shrub fits beautifully into many different garden situations. Here are some ideas for where to plant summersweet for the best impact:
Plant a row of Ruby Spice summersweet along the length of a fence, softening the harsh lines of the posts and slats.
Use in a foundation planting or plant at the end of a gutter downspout or gutter extender, where it will happily soaks up water draining from the roof.
Create a mass planting. Summersweet has a suckering habit and can be used to stabilize damp slopes and prevent erosion.
Combine with other evergreens and small trees to create a mixed privacy border.
Plant in any shady, wet area that is prone to standing water or periodic flooding.
Create a deciduous screen by planting summersweet as a hedge. It can also be used delineate property lines.
Use alongside a pond or stream, mimicking its native environment.
Plant in the dappled shade of a woodland garden, where its pink flowers will brighten the space.
Use in a pollinator garden, hummingbird garden, or butterfly garden and watch birds, bees and butterflies flock to the fragrant pink summer blooms.
Ruby Spice Summersweet fall color is a deep golden yellow. Image courtesy of Bailey Nurseries
This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help me to continue bringing you free, high-quality design articles. Thank you for your support!