Itea virginica 'Sprich' [sold as Little Henry™]
Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire

Itea virginica ′Sprich′ [sold as Little Henry™] - Stems
 Plant Type:
 Growth Forms:
 Hardiness:
 Deciduous / Evergreen:
 Flower Notes:
White (Summer; drooping, 3-4" flower racemes; slightly fragrant)
 Foliage Notes:
Green (Dark green summer foliage); Red-Violet (Handsome reddish-purple fall foliage)
 Fruit Notes:
Brown (Five-valved, dehiscent capsules)
 Ultimate Height:
3-4 feet
 Ultimate Spread:
3-4 feet
 Soil Notes:
Prefers acidic, consistently moist soil, but tolerant of drought and wet soils
 Range:
Cultivated origin
 Diagnostic Characteristics:
1-3" long simple, alternate leaves have serrulated margins and are slightly pubescent underneath with petioles that are grooved (concave) on top. The 3-4" drooping racemes of 5-valved capsules persist all winter.

Additional Information

The Little Henry Virginia Sweetspire is a compact, dwarf cultivar that has excellent flowers and fall color. Quite drought and pH tolerant although best situated in moist areas with some acidity. Flowers best in full sun, but is shade tolerant. Pruning sometimes needed to maintain form, primarily for removal of wayward branches. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter as flowers form on previous season's wood. Susceptible to flea beetle and leaf spot.

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