Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet) 'Ruby Spice'

• Survives in zones 4-8
• Maximum size seems to average out at about 6 x 5. Mine is about 5 x 3 in year four
• Here in zone 6, the bottle brush-like blooms usually appear in early July and last until early August. The blooms are an absolute magnet to butterflies and bees, especially bees. 
• This shrub appears to be cool with full sun to partial shade but from what I’ve read, can bloom in deep shade and that is all sorts of awesome
• Like all Summersweet shrubs, ‘Ruby Spice’ will apparently sucker although mine has yet to do so
• Clethra are native to the eastern U.S.                     

The shrub shape has been good for me and the bright green and lustrous leaves make this one look good from afar: 

The seed capsules look good, post bloom period:  

And fairly decent (don’t believe some of the hype), autumnal color: 

Besides the somewhat underwhelming fall color, the only other possible negative is that this shrub is late to leaf out in spring. One would be wise not to place this shrub in too prominent of a location if one isn’t OK with the lack of green in spring.

Beyond that, count me as a huge fan.

What has your experience been like? Please, do tell.