Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica

Summary

Sweetspire is a versatile, undemanding small shrub for sun or shade. In natural habitats, it’s found primarily in moist soils along stream banks and floodplains, but it can also handle drier spots once established. Its brilliant red fall color and mounding shape make it a great native alternative to Japanese barberry (burning bush). While the straight species can be hard to find, cultivars like ‘Henry’s Garnet’ are usually readily available.

More Details

FAMILY

Iteaceae (Sweetspire)

BLOOM TIME

May-June

FLOWER

White, pink

MATURE SIZE

3-6 feet

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

Sun to shade

SOIL CONDITIONS

medium to wet

NATIVE STATUS

PA Native

Ecosystem Connections

Sweetspire’s showy racemes of white flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It provides cover, nesting habitat, and seeds for birds.  Deer-resistant.

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