Species Virginia sweetspire
white, cob-like flowers with yellow-green, small leaves, and bushy gray stems

Virginia sweetspire

Itea virginica 'Sprich' LITTLE HENRY

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich' LITTLE HENRY) is an attractive, low maintenance shrub. It is native to the Eastern United States and prefers moist, acidic soils. It has arching branches featuring white to light pink flowers that bloom in the spring. In the summer, it is adorned with glossy green foliage and in the fall, the foliage turns to shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is a dependable, multiseason shrub with something to offer the garden throughout the year. Little Henry Virginia sweetspire is a compact cultivar, reaching only 2-3 feet in height. has been recognized with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. It is an ideal choice for containers or a low hedge.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation,Stem Propagation,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich' LITTLE HENRY) should be watered deeply at least once a week during its active growing season, generally from late spring through late summer. During this time, thoroughly soak the soil around the plant until water begins to drain, to ensure the root system is saturated. During the rest of the year, reduce your watering schedule and only water when the top inch of soil is dry. In times of extended drought, be prepared to increase watering frequency as necessary.

sunlight

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich' Little Henry) prefers full sun or partial shade in order to flourish. For optimal growth, it will need at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. During periods of very hot weather, late afternoon sun should be avoided in order to prevent leaf scorch. It’s best to place this plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sun throughout the day. When planting in direct sun, mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture, reducing the risk of sunscald.

pruning

Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica 'Sprich' LITTLE HENRY) should be pruned in early spring, before buds begin to open and new growth emerges. Pruning should remove dead wood, weak and overgrown shoots, and crossed branches. Additionally, it can be lightly sheared or shortened to maintain a compact form. Pruning should not exceed 1 third of the plant’s total amount; heavy pruning can result in decreased flowering.

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 'Sprich' LITTLE HENRY (Virginia sweetspire) typically begins in late June or early July.

Hardiness Map