Itea, a native deciduous shrub, grows well in a variety of conditions. Also called Virginia sweetspire, this compact bush has great multi-seasonal appeal. Itea virginica, commonly called Virginia sweetspire, is an erect, rounded, broad-spreading, deciduous shrub with arching branches. Typically grows 3-4' (less frequently to 5') tall with a similar spread. Virginia sweetspire is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub in the Itea family (Iteaceae). Its native range extends from New Jersey to Florida and west to Missouri, Louisiana and East Texas. In its native habitat, it is found in moist woods, swamps, wet pine barrens and along small stream banks. This shrub is easy to grow and maintain.Here's how to plant and care for Virginia sweetspire: 1. Grow in a well-drained, humusy soilwith medium to wet moisture levels. 2. Give it a full sun or partial shadelocation; however, it offers the best shape, flowers, and fall color when grown in full sun. 3. Plant in spring or fall; if dividing, do the cut...See full list on thespruce.comVirginia sweetspire can be easily identified by several characteristics: 1. Flowers:Tiny, pleasantly smelling flowers in a floral spike that can be 2 to 6 inches long 2. Stems:Green or reddish-purple stems; sun-exposed stems turn reddish 3. Leaves: Green leaves are oval, alternating on a stem with finely toothed edges; leaves turn red, orange, and ...See full list on thespruce.comSeveral popular cultivarsof Virginia sweetspire are available, including: 1. Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet':This option has larger flowers and better autumn color than the species variety. 2. I. virginica 'Little Henry': This cultivar is a dwarf version, growing only about two feet tall. It has better flower and fall foliage colors than the other ...See full list on thespruce.comYou can prune Virginia sweetspire to shape or control its size, but pruning is unnecessary. Because it blooms on old wood (previous year's growth), pruning should be done immediately after blooming so that the plant can develop the wood necessary for next year's blooms. If you prune it in the spring, you risk removing the flower buds. In USDA growi...See full list on thespruce.comVirginia sweetspire is a rare type of shrub that divides easily. Thanks to its prolific suckering habit, it can be propagated by cutting its root ball into sections and stem cuttings. By root division: 1. Use a sharp spade and cut away a section of the root ball around the edge. 2. Replant the root ball in a new location (autumn is the best time to...See full list on thespruce.comVirginia sweetspire can be grown from seed. Here is how: 1. Collect the small brown seed pods from the plant during the late summer or early fall. Open them up and remove the seeds. 2. Store the seeds in a sealed container tucked away in the refrigerator until spring rolls around. 3. Use a well-draining potting medium and seed trays to germinate th...See full list on thespruce.comIt is entirely possible to keep a Virginia sweetspire in a container for the first season. When the root system is well-established and trying to fight its way out of the container, it's time to plant it in the landscape.See full list on thespruce.comVirginia sweetspire does well during the winter, though those in colder climates might see some dieback of the shrub's tips during the harsh cold. It will come back strong in the spring.See full list on thespruce.comThis plant is quite hardy and has no serious pests to contend with. Even deer tend to leave it alone. However, it might develop flea beetles or leaf spot. Neem oil can be used to handle flea beetles, while leaf spot can be remedied with neem oil, baking soda solutions, copper fungicide, or copper and pyrethrins.See full list on thespruce.comBloom MonthsVirginia sweetspire tends to bloom in the summer (May to early June), with the most showy flowers appearing in autumn.How Long Does Virginia Sweetspire Bloom?Virginia sweetspire blooms throughout the summer and into fall. In winter, the branches turn tan, and the sweetspire starts to die back.What Does Virginia Sweetspire's Flowers Look and Smell Like?The flowers look like white bottle brushes with tiny flowers making up the floral sprays (racemes). The flowers have a pleasant, sweet smell.See full list on thespruce.com Itea (Virginia Sweetspire) is a durable native shrub that grows well in either sun or shade and tolerates drought as well as flooding rains. It thrives in almost any soil type, including clay, and is hardy in all but the coldest climates. It is one of the easiest shrubs to grow, tolerating a range of conditions and requiring little pruning, and is a great plant for massing on banks or in borders. May be semi-evergreen in Zones 8 and 9. Can sweetspire be used as a garden plant?Use sweetspire in wet areas of your yard as a low-maintenance solution to poor drainage. Add itea to a mixed border alongside other shrubs, trees and perennials with similar growing needs. Combine in a foundation planting with other shrubs that bloom at different times for season-long color.What is little Henry ® sweetspire (Itea virginica)?Little Henry ® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is an improved variety with a compact uniform habit that needs little pruning or other maintenance. A profusion of drooping white flower spikes appear in summer, followed by blazing orange and red fall color to create a stunning multi-seasonal display.What is a sweetspire shrub?Fall foliage is exceptional, with brilliant orange-red coloring. Find more of the top fragrant shrubs. Little Henry ® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is an improved variety with a compact uniform habit that needs little pruning or other maintenance.Are sweetspire trees evergreen?Japanese sweetspire (Itea japonica) is a taller semi-evergreen shrub native to Japan. Hollyleaf sweetspire (Itea ilicifolia) is a broadleaf evergreen native to western China, with spiny, holly-like green leaves. Chinese sweetspire (Itea chinensis) is another evergreen species, but not as cold hardy (Zones 8-9). Scentlandia® sweetspire fall color. · Itea is a native shrub with multi-season appeal, from unique bloom sprays to fall color to drawing pollinators and beneficial insects. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in exploring the merits of a small shrub with big benefits. Itea (Virginia Sweetspire) is a durable native shrub that grows well in either sun or shade and tolerates drought as well as flooding rains. It thrives in almost any soil type, including clay, and is hardy in all but the coldest climates. · Itea is a native shrub with multi-season appeal, from unique bloom sprays to fall color to drawing pollinators and beneficial insects. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in exploring the merits of a small shrub with big benefits. It is one of the easiest shrubs to grow, tolerating a range of conditions and requiring little pruning, and is a great plant for massing on banks or in borders. May be semi-evergreen in Zones 8 and 9. How to install Chrome Important: Before you download, check if Chrome supports your operating system and you’ve met all other system requirements. Get Google Chrome Important: Before you download, check if Chrome supports your operating system and you’ve met all other system requirements. Google Chrome tips Google Chrome tips From productivity to customization, learn how to get things done more quickly with your browser. On your iPhone or iPad, open App Store. 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