Virginia Sweetspire Itea virginica 'Little Henry'
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Virginia Sweetspire:
- Phonetic Spelling
- eye-TEE-ah ver-JIN-ih-kah
- Description
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'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 Gardenerâ„ Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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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
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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