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Itea virginica 'Little Henry'

Description

'Little Henry' is a cultivar in the Iteaceae family.  It is a dwarf version of the native Itea virginica that has more superior flowers than its species.  Its fall color is also improved.  

Appearing like tassels or bottle brushes, and flowering from late spring to early summer, the plant will be covered with a blanket of creamy-white 4" spires of blooms that droop on the arching branches.  The flowers open starting at the base, extending towards the tip.  This makes the flowers appear to bloom for a longer period of time.

Placing this plant in full sun will lead to a more brilliant display of fall foliage.

As this low maintenance plant blooms on old wood, pruning should be accomplished soon after flowering.

In the southern portion of its growing zone, this plant may be semi-evergreen.

Plant in groupings to overcome the plants sometimes scraggly appearance.  This plants habit is ground hugging, therefore mass planting can also be of benefit where erosion control is required.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.

This plant will put out suckers, that can spread throughout the area where planted.  To avoid naturalization, remove root suckers when visible.  

Water should be provided in times of drought or very dry conditions.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Extension Master Gardener℠ Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#showy flowers#deciduous#rain garden#fragrant flowers#deciduous shrub#dwarf#erosion control#deer resistant#naturalizes#suckers#compact habit#wet soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#colonizing#drought intolerant#compact#showy#suckering shrub#suckering#butterfly garden#hedge#shade tolerant#ornamental shrub#moth friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#showy flowers#deciduous#rain garden#fragrant flowers#deciduous shrub#dwarf#erosion control#deer resistant#naturalizes#suckers#compact habit#wet soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#colonizing#drought intolerant#compact#showy#suckering shrub#suckering#butterfly garden#hedge#shade tolerant#ornamental shrub#moth friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Itea
    Species:
    virginica
    Family:
    Iteaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Plant in masses for the optimum appearance.
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Wildlife Value:
    Butterflies, bees and moths are attracted to the blooms. Some small wildlife may use this plant for cover.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Easy to Grow
    Fragrance
    Wildlife Cover/Habitat
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 5 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Dense
    Erect
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The lightly fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring into early summer on 3-6" long racemes or panicles.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The foliage will provide a beautiful fall display of colors.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Pond
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Diseases
    Erosion
    Heavy Shade
    Insect Pests
    Wet Soil