Itea virginicaIndiana Native
Virginia Sweetspire

Family:

Grossulariaceae (Currant Family) 5

Genus:

Itea (Virginia Sweetspire Sweetspire, Virginia Virginia-Willow) 3

Plant Type:

Shrub 462

Growth Forms:

Arching 24

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 233

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 792

Flower Notes:

White (Summer; drooping, 4-6" flower racemes; slightly fragrant)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Summer foliage); Multi-Colored (The attractive fall foliage can be red, orange, red-purple, and yellow)

Stem Notes:

fine to moderate, green to reddish purple, glabrous

Fruit Notes:

Brown (Five-valved, dehiscent capsules)

Ultimate Height:

3-5 feet

Ultimate Spread:

3-6 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 33

Soil Notes:

Prefers acidic, consistently moist soil, but tolerant of drought and wet soils

Range:

Eastern North America

Maintenance:

Low 103

Diagnostic Characteristics:

1.5-4" long simple, alternate leaves have serrulated margins and are slightly pubescent underneath with petioles that are grooved (concave) on top. The 4-6" drooping racemes of 5-valved capsules persist all winter.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Wet Soil Tolerant 101

Fragrant Flowers 173

Indiana Native 152

Additional Information

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. Can be subject to flea beetle and leaf spot.