Summary
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a suckering shrub that showcases stunning color and texture throughout the seasons.
This elegantly arching, 6-9’ tall shrub produces masses of fragrant, white flower clusters in late spring-early summer. Blooms transform into hard, brown seed capsules that remain on the plant through the year. In autumn, bright green foliage turns spectacular shades of deep red. Color intensifies as the season progresses. While this species can grow in part shade, best color occurs with full sun conditions. Leaves fall away in early winter to reveal red stems that contrast beautifully against a snowy landscape.
How to Grow Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia sweetspire thrives in average to moist, well-drained soils, but can also grow well in wet or clay-based soils. The dense suckering habit makes it a good choice for erosion control on slopes and at the water’s edge. Compact cultivars are widely available and can be a suitable substitution for invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) in home landscapes. In addition, it makes an excellent shrub for massing or incorporated into a mixed border with possumhaw viburnum (Viburnum nudum), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and redosier dogwood (Swida sericea) . Zones 5-9.
‘Henry’s Garnet‘ is a 3-4’ tall cultivar selected for reliable fall color and larger flowers.
‘Little Henry‘ is a is a dwarf cultivar growing 1.5-2’ tall.
‘Fizzy Mizzy‘ is a compact cultivar growing 2-3’ tall.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-part-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
late-spring-to-early-summer - Soil PH
acidic - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
purple, red - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers