Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' - C3.5

Description
The Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice' (Clethra alnifolia) is an upright, broad shrub that produces pink-coloured, clustered flowers with a strong fragrance. They appear from July to September. The Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice' also has lanceolate, medium green leaves. Its bark is dark brown, rolling. In a sunny to shady, wind-protected location with humus-rich, acidic, moist to wet soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 3 m and is approx. 3 m wide.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Scheineller.

Bulletpoints
* red-brown shoots * the flowers are heavily favoured by bees, bumblebees and hoverflies * strongly scented flowers * attractive yellow-red autumn colouring * Shade tolerant

leaves
The deciduous leaves of the Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice's are medium green, lanceolate, alternate, toothed. They are about 4 - 10 cm in size. Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice' is bright yellow-red in autumn.

Bark
Dark brown, rolling bark makes this plant an eye-catcher in any garden.

Spread
North America.

Frost hardiness
The Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice' has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice' is an upright and spreading shrub. It usually reaches a height of 2 - 3 m and is approx. 1.5 - 3 m wide. Slow-growing.

Water
The plant needs plenty of water. Do not allow the soil to dry out.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to shady, wind-protected position.

Soil
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' thrives on all acidic, humus-rich and sufficiently moist soils.

Planting time
Container plants can be planted all year round, except when the soil is frozen and in summer heat (over 30°C).

Care
Cut back boldly in spring so that the plant grows compactly.

Flower
The pink-coloured flowers of Bush pepper 'Ruby Spice' appear in clusters from July to September. They are strongly scented.

Use
Ornamental shrub, bee pasture

Shoots
The shoots of Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' are reddish-brown.

Root
Clethra alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' is a shallow-rooted plant and, depending on the soil, forms finely branched, runner-forming roots.