Japanese sweetspire
Itea japonica 'Beppu'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
6 - 9
Flowers:
White Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Japanese sweetspire should be watered once a week with 1 inch of water. Water deeply, until the moisture reaches 4 inches down, to encourage roots to grow deep. Make sure to check the soil's moisture content before watering. Soil should remain moist but not overly saturated. Avoid excess moisture, which can rot roots or cause fungal diseases. If possible, water in the early morning or the evening.
sunlight
Japanese sweetspire (Itea japonica 'Beppu') is best planted in full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If planting in partial shade, the plant should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Also, the plant should be shielded from strong winds. In ideal conditions, Japanese sweetspire will possess glossy leaves and deep pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer and into late autumn.
pruning
Japanese sweetspire should be pruned in mid-spring (March through May). Begin by pruning out any dead or diseased branches; this should be done for any shrub or tree. Then it's best to prune the weak, thin branches and suckers away from the center of the shrub to open it up and allow light and air into the center. This shrub can also be pruned to shape if desired. If you want to make it larger, prune the tops of the branches outward. Cuts should be made back to healthy buds.
