Jackson & Perkins Clethra Summersweet

Yes, this variety is exceptionally tolerant of wet soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for areas of your garden that stay consistently moist or have poor drainage.

While it thrives in full sun, Clethra 'Ruby Spice' is adaptable and can handle partial shade. Keep in mind that you will get the most prolific flowering and the deepest red color when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

You can expect this plant to reach a mature height of 4 to 6 feet with a width of about 4 feet. Its upright growth habit makes it a great candidate for foundation plantings or tight spaces where you need vertical interest.

No, 'Ruby Spice' is not considered deer resistant. If you have a high deer population in your area, you may need to use protective netting or repellents to keep them from browsing on the foliage.

One of the best features of this variety is that it blooms in its first year of planting. You can look forward to its fragrant, deep red flowers appearing from mid to late summer.

It is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Because it is naturally resistant to most common pests and diseases, your primary tasks will be ensuring it gets enough water, especially during dry spells, and perhaps a light pruning in late winter or early spring to shape it.