Itea virginica/Virginia Sweetspire
As a Virginia native myself, I have a special affection for this lovely plant that blooms so happily in full woodland shade.
It's indigenous from New Jersey south to Florida.
Can you see it here or do I need a brighter photo? Click here for a photo taken in sun.
Details
- Flowers in June and July.
- Grows to 3-4' tall and wide, fuller and wider in sun. The popular variety 'Henry's Garnet' (in photo) is a little larger - 4-5' tall by 6' wide.
- Can take lots of shade or full sun, wet or dry soils.
- Hardy to Zones 5 to 9.
Care
- Some authorities credit this plant with good drought tolerance, others with needing moist soil, and my experience bears out the former. Good news!
- It's bug- and disease-free in my garden.
- As for pruning, I removed the occasional stem that might be lying on the ground or just looking old and tired. Very easy plant.
Location Matters
I grow Virginia Sweetspire in the Washington, D.C. area, Zone 7A. If you've grown it and have comments you'd like to see included here, send 'em along, and tell me where you garden.
More Great Info in Print
- Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs
by the best-known authority on the subject. - Taylor's Guide to Shrubs
is another good one.