Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com.
Feed Bees, Pollinators and Hummingbirds with this Beautiful Shade Shrub
This flowering shrub for shade has upright flower stems and a longer period of bloom.
The pretty white flower spikes of Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com.
Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire (Itea virginica 'SMNIVMM') is a versatile and compact shrub known for its striking seasonal transformations and adaptability. During early summer, this bush dazzles with clusters of spiky white flowers that resemble bursting fireworks, attracting a variety of pollinators and feeding bees and hummingbirds too. These eye-catching blooms thrive equally well in sunny spots and shaded areas, making Fizzy Mizzy® a flexible choice for different garden settings.
This versatile shrub can produce flowers in sun, partial shade and even full shade, ensuring that even the shadiest parts of the garden can have a vibrant floral display. As the seasons progress, Fizzy Mizzy® Itea continues to impress with its foliage. In the fall, dark green leaves transition to a vivid and intense burgundy red, becoming a focal point in the garden and transforming the autumn landscape with a dramatic splash of color.
Fizzy Mizzy® is a native cultivar, selected for exhibiting a more upright flowering habit and a longer season of bloom than the straight species of Itea virginica (the straight species is the wild type, as you would find it growing in nature). Fizzy Mizzy® grows in zones 5-9 and will maintain a compact 2-3 foot tall and wide size with very little maintenance or pruning required. It’s a great choice for small yards, for containers, and for massing as a ground cover. Fizzy Mizzy® likes moist, fertile soil and can even tolerate wet spots and periods of standing water. Deer do not like the taste of Virginia sweetspire and tend to leave it alone. Rutgers University rates Virginia sweetspire as “seldom severely damaged” on its list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance. But keep in mind that deer will eat almost any plant when they are hungry enough!
How to Grow Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire
Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire fall color
Location: Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire grows in full sun to full shade and prefers consistently moist, rich, well-draining soil. Sweetspire will struggle in hot, dry sites or heavy clay soil - consider planting a panicle hydrangea in these areas instead.
Planting: Plant Fizzy Mizzy® in spring or fall, giving the shrub time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Space plants 18-24 inches apart on center to allow for proper air circulation; water deeply immediately after planting. If you are planning a mass planting, consider using this handy plant calculator to help you to determining the number of shrubs needed.
Watering: Water newly planted sweetspire regularly to help establish the roots. Fizzy Mizzy® prefers consistent moisture and will only tolerate short periods of drought after a 2-3 year establishment period (for watering guidance, see “How to Water Your Plants”)
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the shrub to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Make sure the mulch does not touch the base of the plant.
Fertilizer: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow release shrub fertilizer to the soil around sweetspire, following the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also apply a layer of compost, leaf mold, or Leafgro® to enhance soil health and structure.
Pruning: Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire does not require any pruning, other than to remove dead or damaged branches. If you decide to prune your shrub, do so immediately after flowering so that next year’s flower buds are not disturbed. If plants become scraggly with age, they can be hard-pruned back to 12 inches.
Insects and diseases: Sweetspire does not suffer from any significant pests or diseases. Leaf spot may be an occasional problem.
Where to Plant Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire
Japanese barberry alternative: If you have recently removed an invasive Japanese barberry shrub, Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire is a great choice for a replacement planting.
Nandina alternative: Many gardeners are now looking to replace the ubiquitous Nandina, which is believed to have invasive tendencies. Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire is a great replacement for a Nandina bush.
Foundation planting: The low, compact, rounded shape of Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire makes it the perfect choice for foundation plantings.
Small gardens: Fizzy Mizzy® is the perfect choice for small gardens and yards. It will maintain its compact rounded shape and does not grow more than 3 feet tall and wide.
Wet areas: Virginia sweetspire loves well-draining, moist soil and thrives in damp, low areas. It can tolerate brief periods of standing water, making it appropriate to use in rain gardens and bioswales.
Border planting: Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire can fill in the front to middle spaces of the garden border, in between low-growing perennials and taller shrubs or small trees.
Woodland garden: Naturalize Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire in an open woodland garden, where it thrives in moist, rich soil and partial shade.
Butterfly or pollinator garden: Bees, butterflies and other pollinators flock to the flowers of Virginia sweetspire. It is also a caterpillar host plant, providing crucial real estate for butterflies to lay their eggs.
Edging: Soften the hard edges of patios, walkways, sidewalks and retaining walls with a row of Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire.
Mass planting: Plant a mass group of Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire shrubs alongside a fence, in a garden bed, or to stabilize a wet slope. Over time, the shrubs will grow together to create a ground cover.
Fire pit landscaping: Plant a row of Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire around the fire pit, where you can appreciate the deep burgundy fall color during autumn gatherings around the fire.
Planting Companions for Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire:
Winterberry hollies (Ilex verticillata): This deciduous holly with small leaves and red berries makes the perfect native planting companion for Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire. Both shrubs offer food for the birds and nectar for pollinators. Be sure to plant both male and female holly shrubs.
Bluebird mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata ‘Bluebird’): Mountain hydrangeas and sweetspire both thrive in moist, rich soil and partial shade.
Hybrid witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia): The deep yellow fall color of the hybrid witch hazel contrasts beautifully with the deep burgundy leaves of Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire.
Ruby Slippers oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’): Ruby Slippers and Fizzy Mizzy® both have amazing burgundy fall color. Combine them for an unforgettable autumn show!
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata): The sun-loving panicle hydrangea looks great with Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire when massed together in a sunny, open area. Both of these shrubs like to have consistent moisture.
Ivory Halo dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo’): The red twigs and cream and green variegated leaves of this dogwood shrub contrast nicely with the handsome dark green leaves of Fizzy Mizzy®.
Why is my Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire Dying?
If your sweetspire appears to be on its last legs, don't panic just yet. While it might seem like your beloved shrub is dying, there's a good chance it's actually experiencing one of several common issues that can be remedied with a bit of care and attention:
Few to no flowers: If your Virginia sweetspire shrub looks healthy but is not flowering, improper pruning is a likely cause. Make sure pruning is done immediately after flowering has finished. If the shrub was pruned any time after late summer, then it’s likely the flower buds were cut off. Leave it alone and it will rebloom again next year, and remember - Fizzy Mizzy® is a small, compact, nicely shaped shrub and doesn’t need any pruning, other than to remove dead or damaged branches.
Drought Stress: Sweetspire likes consistently moist soil. Prolonged hot, dry periods will stress the plant, particularly during the first 1-2 years after planting. It’s time to monitor your drought status and increase the amount of watering and attention you are giving to your Fizzy Mizzy® shrub.
Poor Drainage: Sweetspire will tolerate short periods of standing water and can be used in rain gardens and bioswales, but prolonged exposure to waterlogged conditions will suffocate the roots and lead to a wilting shrub with blackened leaves. Move the shrub to a location with adequate drainage.
Pests: Fizzy Mizzy® is generally unbothered by insect pests. Aphids, spider mites and scale insects may cause occasional problems.
Mechanical Injury: Damage from lawn mowers, trimmers, or heavy foot traffic can harm the plant. Keep heavy equipment and pathways a safe distance away from the shrub's delicate roots and stems.
How to Water Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire
You may be wondering how often or how long to water your Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire shrub. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, because the watering requirements for each garden can vary significantly, based on several different factors. This absence of a universal watering guideline can be exasperating for gardeners! Being attentive to your sweetspire shrub and the environmental factors impacting it will enable you to adjust your watering schedule accordingly, ultimately promoting healthier growth and overall gardening success. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
The type of plant. Different plants have different preferences for soil moisture, so make sure you understand the unique needs of each type of plant you grow in your garden. Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire loves consistently moist soil. Keep an eye on the soil around your sweetspire, and don’t be surprised if you need to water it more frequently than other plants in your yard.
The stage of growth. Newly planted garden plants need lots of water, generally more than the beginning gardener anticipates. It takes time for a young plant to establish and develop an advanced root system that can absorb enough water to meet its needs. Make sure you are available to water a newly planted Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire frequently and deeply, and that you are able to carve out time in your schedule for this recurring commitment. As the shrub matures and growth slows, you can water it less frequently.
The weather: Temperature, rainfall, humidity, drying winds, cloud cover, and seasonal changes all play a part in determining how often you should water your Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire. Developing a flexible watering schedule that takes into account ever-changing weather conditions will help you to provide the right amount of water to keep your sweetspire bush thriving. And do not rely on vague forecasts of “evening thunderstorms” to provide the water your plants need - frequently, storms don’t develop or do not provide a deep enough watering.
The type of soil. The type of soil in your garden plays a crucial role in determining the frequency of watering. Sandy soil drains fast and tends to dry out quickly; clay soil retains water for longer periods of time and can become waterlogged. Loamy soil strikes a balance between water retention and drainage. If you are not sure what type of soil you have, do this easy at-home soil test with water, soil and a spatula.
The light exposure. Plants grown in full sun tend to dry out more quickly than plants in shade. Increased levels of sunlight and temperature will contribute to higher rates of water loss through the leaves. And yes, it’s fine to water your Fizzy Mizzy® sweetspire on a sunny day - you will not “burn” the leaves or harm the plant in any way, although you may lose some extra water to evaporation. Watering in the morning or evening is more water-efficient, but with busy life schedules, water at the time of day that is most convenient for you!
The topography. The way water flows and collects on your property due to its topography plays a vital role in determining the water distribution and absorption patterns in your garden. In areas where the land is sloping, water flows downwards and the soil does not retain as much water. Conversely, low-lying areas and depressions are prone to water accumulation. Terraced areas and raised beds will dry out quickly, as will pots and planters. Observing the movement of water across your property during a storm can offer valuable insights to help you better decide when and how much to water your sweetspire shrub.
The competition. Competition from tree roots and dense plantings can significantly influence how often you need to water your garden. Trees, especially mature ones with extensive root systems, will compete with other nearby plants for water. This can be particularly problematic for moisture-loving sweetspire and you will need to compensate by watering more frequently. Dense plantings, where plants are closely spaced together, can also create a competitive environment.
The heat. Radiated heat from various sources, such as driveways, patios, walkways, and sidewalks, can contribute to increased evaporation and water loss in your garden. Areas exposed to radiated heat tend to dry out quickly and may need more frequent waterings than other areas of your yard. Sweetspire planted in this type of hot, dry environment will need extra deep watering sessions.