Virginia Sweetspire
A Low Maintenance Shrub for Wet Areas
Virginia Sweetspire has brilliant red fall color and attracts butterflies and pollinators to the garden.
The fragrant, tiny white flowers of ‘Henry’s Garnet’ Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’) are a butterfly and pollinator magnet.
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a deciduous shrub native to the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. It is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and relatively unbothered by pests and diseases. From late spring until early summer, small fragrant white flowers bloom on drooping racemes, resembling fireworks and feeding pollinators in between the spring and summer flowering seasons. In autumn, the leaves of Virginia sweetspire turn shades of brilliant orange, red, scarlet, and purple. Small dried flower pods remain on the plant throughout winter, providing food for the birds and creating interest in the winter landscape.
Virginia sweetspire grows in zones 5-9, in full sun to full shade. This shrub has an upright spreading form, with branches that arch and droop, and takes on a denser shape when planted in full sun. It’s a large shrub, growing 4-8 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide - give it space! If this shrub is too large for your garden, there are several smaller and more compact cultivars to choose from - read on for a list of the different types. Virginia sweetspire prefers moist, fertile soil and will tolerate wet spots and periods of standing water. When grown in ideal conditions, it will sucker and form a colony - remove suckers if you do not want the shrub to spread. According to Rutgers University, deer seldom severely damage Virginia sweetspire, and it is considered to be a deer resistant plant. Keep in mind, though, that deer will eat almost any plant when they are hungry enough!
This deciduous shrub prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its initial establishment period. It's essential to provide regular watering during dry spells, focusing on maintaining a well-hydrated root zone. Discover how to get healthy, well-hydrangea plants here.
How to Grow Virginia Sweetspire
A row of Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) softens the hard edges of sidewalks and buildings.
Location: Virginia 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 sweetspire in spring or fall, giving the shrub time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Space plants 4-6 feet 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. This shrub prefers consistent moisture and can 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: Virginia 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.
Virginia Sweetspire Fall Color
Virginia Sweetspire Fall Color
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is renowned as one of the best shrubs you can grow for brilliant fall color. This native shrub fall color display is nothing short of spectacular, with its leaves transforming into a kaleidoscope of scarlet red, burgundy, orange, and purple hues. These vibrant shades provide a stunning contrast to the more muted yellow tones of the autumn landscape, making Virginia sweetspire a standout feature in any garden.
In addition to its fall beauty, Virginia sweetspire is a versatile and resilient shrub that offers year-round interest. During the growing season, it features attractive, glossy green foliage and fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators. As temperatures drop and the growing season ends, this shrub with fall color truly comes into its own, transforming the garden into a vivid tapestry of autumnal shades. This adaptability and seasonal interest make Virginia sweetspire an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a dynamic and low-maintenance shrub with exceptional fall color to their landscape.
Virginia Sweetspire Types
In addition to the original straight species of Virginia sweetspire, there are several different cultivated varieties. Each of these native cultivars (“nativars”) varies in size, form, and growth habit. These nativars offer options for gardeners to choose plants that suit their specific preferences and design needs while still benefiting from the beloved traits of the original species.
The straight species (Itea virginica): The term “straight species” refers to the original, naturally occurring form of the plant species as it exists in the wild, without any modifications or selective breeding by humans. The straight species of Virginia sweetspire has graceful arching branches, white flowers and bright fall color, and grows 4-8 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. It may be a little more difficult to source this original straight species, since many nurseries tend to carry the smaller and more compact types. Try local native plant sales or searching online, or visit a nursery that specializes in native plants.
Henry’s Garnet (Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’): A popular, easy-to-find cultivar with larger flowers, a slightly smaller size and more vivid fall color than the straight species. Grows 3-5 feet tall and wide.
Little Henry® (Itea virginica 'Sprich'): Another popular type of sweetspire with a small, mounded, compact habit. Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Scentlandia® (Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC'): The most fragrant sweetspire on the market, with strong fall color and a compact size. Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Fizzy Mizzy® (Itea virginica 'SMNIVMM'): A small selection with spiky flowers that stay upright instead of drooping, and an exceptionally long period of bloom. Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Love Child® (Itea virginica ‘Bailteaone’): A compact, floriferous selection with a tight, round shape. Grows 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Where to Plant Virginia Sweetspire
Japanese barberry replacement: Virginia sweetspire is a great alternative to the invasive Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii).
Side Yard: Plant Virginia sweetspire in a partially shaded side yard where it can fill up an empty corner. Great for planting in shady, damp spots where gutters drain.
Water’s edge: Plant sweetspire alongside a stream, creek, or pond, where its graceful arching flowers mimic the movement and flow of water.
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.
Hedge: Create a deciduous hedge by spacing a row of Virginia sweetspire 4 feet on center. The plants will eventually grow together to create an uninterrupted line of graceful, arching branches.
Woodland garden: Naturalize Virginia 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 where butterflies can lay their eggs.
Edging: Soften the hard edges of patios, walkways, sidewalks and retaining walls with a row of Virginia sweetspire shrubs.
Mass planting: Plant a mass group of sweetspire shrubs alongside a fence, in a garden bed, or to stabilize a wet slope.
Fire pit landscaping: Plant Virginia sweetspire in close proximity to the fire pit, where the brilliant fall color can be appreciated during autumn gatherings around the fire.
Virginia Sweetspire in Winter
Virginia sweetspire continues to impress during the winter months, with dried seed clusters adorning the branches and serving as an important food source for birds at a time of year when resources are scarce. The elegant arching branches adorned also bring winter interest to the garden and create a unique and striking silhouette.
Virginia sweetspire in winter.
When to Prune Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia 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.
Virginia sweetspire blooms on old wood (the previous season’s growth) and should only be pruned immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and minimize stress on the plant.
Why is My Sweetspire Plant 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. In general, Virginia sweetspire 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 sweetspire 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: Virginia sweetspire 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.