Clethra Summer Sweet Ruby Spice Leaves Alternate, simple, obovate-oblong, up to four inches long and two inches wide, sharply serrate, lustrous dark green. Deciduous. Stem Smooth brown, rounded or obscurely three-sided. Size Will grow to eight feet high and six feet wide, and has the ability through suckering to develop into large masses where space allows. Habit Densely leafing, erect shrub which often suckers profusely. More compact than the species. Flowers In early to late July and into August, the plant bears bright pink blossoms on the current season's growth. The flowers are delightfully fragrant and long-lasting, up to six weeks. The blossom clusters are racemes up to six inches long that attract bees and other insects. Culture Remarkably tolerant of a variety of conditions, including roadsides and seashores, it prefers moist locations in partial shade, but will take full sun. If necessary, prune in early spring. Insects and Diseases No known diseases. Mite damage may occur during extremely dry years. Hardiness Rated for Zones 4-8, although it may need some wind protection in coldest areas.