Species Japanese sweetspire

Japanese sweetspire

Itea japonica 'Beppu'

Japanese sweetspire is an exquisite shrub native to Japan. This deciduous bush boasts stunning white blooms in the summer and fall and deep-purple foliage in the summer and winter. The lush leaves of this plant provide a backdrop for the showy blooms and contrast nicely with the bright white petals. While it can grow up to six feet in height, the Japanese sweetspire cultivar 'Beppu' remains quite compact, making it an ideal choice for rock gardens or small landscapes. Tolerant of full sun or partial shade, Japanese sweetspire adds a unique and colorful touch to any setting.

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.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Itea japonica 'Beppu' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May.

Hardiness Map