Virginia Sweetspire
(Itea virginica)
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
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阿橋花譜 HQ Flower Guide
CC BY-SA 2.0
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阿橋花譜 HQ Flower Guide
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: 阿橋花譜 HQ Flower Guide | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: 阿橋 KHQ | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Itea virginica, commonly known as Virginia Sweetspire, is a deciduous shrub native to the wetlands, stream banks, and moist woodlands of the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters) and spreads 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) wide. Virginia Sweetspire has a rounded, arching form with slender branches and elongated clusters of fragrant, white or cream flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators. In the fall, its foliage turns a vibrant red to purple, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
Virginia Sweetspire is valued for its ornamental features, including its beautiful flowers and striking fall coloration. It is often used in residential landscaping for foundation plantings, borders, and naturalized areas. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, from wet to moderately dry, and prefers acidic soils. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. Virginia Sweetspire can spread by root suckers to form colonies, which can be beneficial for erosion control but may require management in a garden setting. ’Henry’s Garnet’ is a popular cultivar known for its larger flowers and extended fall color. Potential problems include leaf spots and mildew, but these are generally not serious. It is not considered invasive and is a good choice for gardeners looking to support native ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Virginia Sweetspire is valued for its ornamental features, including its beautiful flowers and striking fall coloration. It is often used in residential landscaping for foundation plantings, borders, and naturalized areas. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil conditions, from wet to moderately dry, and prefers acidic soils. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is relatively low-maintenance once established. Virginia Sweetspire can spread by root suckers to form colonies, which can be beneficial for erosion control but may require management in a garden setting. ’Henry’s Garnet’ is a popular cultivar known for its larger flowers and extended fall color. Potential problems include leaf spots and mildew, but these are generally not serious. It is not considered invasive and is a good choice for gardeners looking to support native ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-8 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, stream banks, and moist woodlands of the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Virginia Willow , Tassel-White , Sweetspire , Virginia-Tea
Scientific Names: Itea virginica , Diconangia heterophyla , Itea padifolia , Itea virginica f. abbreviata
GBIF Accepted Name: