‘Henry’s Garnet’
Sweetspire
Itea virginica
'Henry's Garnet'
- Native to North America
- Shade tolerant
- Fragrant
'Henry's Garnet' sweetspire was selected at the Scott Arboretum for its superior foliage color, flower size, and habit. A very adaptable and useful plant for gardens and landscapes, especially those with wet soils.
Awards Kentucky Theodore Klein Award
USDA Zone 5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure Full sun, Part sun, Shade
Height 3 - 4'
Width 4 - 5'
Finish Time 1 season
Type Deciduous
Bloom Time Early summer
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Liner Sizes 2 1/4", 4"
General Care
Soil Itea thrives in moist to wet soils but is surprisingly tolerant of normal and dry conditions as well - especially once established. Adaptable to pH.
Pruning Itea blooms on old wood so should only be pruned post-flowering. In cold climates, stems may experience some winter damage. This can be pruned off as needed once growth begins.
Uses Mass plantings; wildlife and woodland gardens; specimen; mixed borders; landscaping.
Growing Tips Though flowering and fall foliage color is best with at least some sun, itea is one of the most shade tolerant flowering shrubs. May have some dieback in cold climates - mulch and/or site in protected areas in zones 5 and 6.
Features: Attracts pollinators, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Drought tolerant, Alkaline soil
Filters: Botanical genus: Itea, Common name: Sweetspire, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Exposure: Shade, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage
Features: Attracts pollinators, Fall interest, Fragrant, Native, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Drought tolerant, Alkaline soil
Filters: Botanical genus: Itea, Common name: Sweetspire, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Exposure: Shade, Bloom time: Summer, White flowers, Green foliage