Illustrative photo.
Clethra alnifolia 'RUBY SPICE' summer-sweet, sweet pepper bush
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1-2m
usual width
1-2m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-August
location
semi-shade / partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Clethra
Sweet pepper bush is becoming popular again in our country. It is a medium-sized shrub flowering in summer.Description of the plant:
Ruby Spice has flowers of has the deepest shade of pink so far selected. Flowers are bell-shaped, light pink, opening from rose buds, formed in upright racemes in July and August. They have a lovely, sweet fragrance, hence its name. Flower buds are deep pink.
Oval leaves are deciduous, mid-green, upto 10 cm long, finely serrated and look like hydrangea leaves. For dense foliage it does not like being shaded by other, smaller companion plants very near. This variety requires no trimming, just remove some of the old wood at the base in winter.
Growing conditions and care
Grow it in acid, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or filtered sunlight. Fully hardy to -34°C or more (USDA zone 4).
Last update 20-02-2010
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