Species Virginia sweetspire
white flowers arranged in long, slender racemes, glossy green, elliptic leaves, and green stems

Virginia sweetspire

Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' SCENTLANDIA

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' SCENTLANDIA) is an attractive deciduous plant known for its eye-catching nut-brown fall foliage and delicate yet fragrant spring blooms. It typically grows 2-4 ft. in height and produces white, drooping flowers with a delightful scent which can fill a garden or yard. It does best planted in partial shade, and prefers moist yet well-drained soil. Its foliage turns shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall. This cultivar of Virginia sweetspire is an improved variety with stronger flower and scent performance and is an excellent addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

purple,pink,white Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Virginia sweetspire should be watered twice a week during the summer months, when temperatures are warmer. During the cooler months of spring and fall, water should be reduced to once a week. This species prefers moist, well-draining soil; water deeply each time to ensure the roots have access to adequate water. Irrigate until roughly the top 4 inches of soil is wet. After watering, the soil should be allowed to dry slightly before watering again.

sunlight

When it comes to sunlight, Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' SCENTLANDIA) plants ideally like about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day, including some morning sunlight. This means that you should find a spot in the garden where the plant can get some sun from early morning until noon. Other than that, Virginia sweetspire can still tolerate some light shade during the afternoon if need be. It’s also best to keep Virginia sweetspire out of any areas with excessive heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' SCENTLANDIA) is best pruned in early spring before any new growth appears. Specifically, between March and early April is prime pruning time. Pruning this shrub should be done carefully and judiciously, as it can be easily damaged if pruned too vigorously. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and examine the shrub for any newly emerging shoots; these shoots should be cut away to improve flowering. If the shrub has grown in size, selectively prune out unwanted stems and those that cross or rub against 1 another. It is important not to overprune, as Virginia sweetspire relies on new growth to flower and bloom. If needed, pruning can be repeated in late summer, allowing for some light trimming and shaping.

Season

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

Virginia sweetspire typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Virginia sweetspire typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Itea virginica 'SMNIVDFC' SCENTLANDIA, also known as Virginia sweetspire, typically begins in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map