Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Bitter disappointments, 1 by Maackia

Maackia wrote:
Its a whole lot more enjoyable to report on successes, but I've got a couple of shrubs that just aren't working for me. I had such high hopes for them, so its a bitter pill to swallow. The first is Clethra 'Ruby Spice'. I've got it on the north side of garage in good, moisture retentive loam, and I after reading of the improved hardiness of this clone I planted three of them and was expecting sooo much more. I just don't think they're fully hardy up here. They were planted 4-5 years ago, so have had plenty of opportunity to prove themselves worthy. Anyone out there having success with Ruby?