Virginia sweetspire typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
Virginia sweetspire
Itea virginica 'Saturnalia'
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Saturnalia') is a deciduous shrub featuring fragrant white flowers in the summer. It is low-maintenance and easily maintained and can reach a mature height of five feet. Its unique foliage is a mix of green and yellow, creating an eye catching addition to any garden. It tolerates both sun and shade and is ideal for gardens needing drought-tolerance, making it a great choice for dry and sunny locations. Its summer blooms are followed by glossy red berries that persist throughout the fall, providing food for wildlife and more visual interest. Virginia sweetspire is a beautiful and easy to establish shrub for a variety of gardens.
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
White Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Fruits:
blue,black Fruits Ready In Fall
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Saturnalia') should be watered about twice a week. Ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy. During hot weather, increase watering to every 3-4 days. Water thoroughly, allowing the excess to run off, and wait a few days before watering again. Water around the roots of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves if possible. In cooler weather, the Sweetspire can go a little longer between waterings. Monitor soil moisture levels closely to make sure that the plant does not dry out.
sunlight
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Saturnalia') prefers full to partial sunlight and grows best when it receives about 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it is tolerant of some light shade and can perform quite well in dappled or indirect light. To keep the foliage green and lush, it is best to avoid harsh, direct midday sun and light shade for part of the day should suffice. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to protect the plant from the intense heat while also allowing for plenty of light.
pruning
Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Saturnalia') should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring, before any new growth has begun. Pruning should be light and selective; remove only 1/3rd of the oldest stems near the base of the shrub. This will promote new growth from the base, resulting in a more compact shrub with increased flowering. Occasional maintenance pruning can also be done in late summer or early fall to control size and shape. Remove any straggly growth or dead/diseased stems. Avoid heavy shearing as this can damage the plant and inhibit flowering.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Virginia sweetspire typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
Harvest Fruit
Harvesting of Itea virginica 'Saturnalia' typically begins in late June and continues through August.
