Virginia Sweetspire

Tagged as: Plants Tolerant of Wet Sites, Low growing shrubs

Botanical Name: Itea virginica
Common Name: Sweetspire

Updated 10/2012

Height: 3-5'  Spread: 4-6'  Habit/Form: Rounded  Growth Rate: Medium  Zone: 5-9

Cultural Requirements: In the wild, this shrub is often found in wet areas, but is tolerant of dry soils once established. Tends to form large colonies if grown in moist areas; will also be rounded and more arched in full sun. Leaf spot may occur but is not a serious problem.

Ornamental Characteristics: A multi-stemmed, suckering shrub that produces an abundant display of spiky, white flowers on slender stem in late July and August when few plants are flowering. The 2 to 6-inch long flowers are fragrant and appear in June and July, followed by seed capsules that persist into winter. Medium green, glossy leaves change to brilliant maroon-red crimson in the fall.

Uses in the Landscape: Great in mass, along waterways, or in a shrub border.

Plant tolerant of flooded areas for extended periods of time.

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