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Little Henry® Sweetspire

Itea virginica

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Overview

The Itea virginica Little Henry® Sweetspire is a compact Proven Winners® deciduous shrub with arching white, lightly fragrant early-summer flower spires and glossy green leaves that turn vivid orange-red in fall. It forms a tidy mound 24-36 inches tall and wide. Grow in sun or shade, with best bloom and color in some sun, in average to moist, well-drained or wet soils. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.

Sun Deep Shade, Full, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, High, MediumZones 5–10Type Shrub
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — The Itea virginica Little Henry® Sweetspire is a compact Proven Winners® deciduous shrub with arching white
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — then shift into a vivid autumn tapestry of orangeLittle Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — Little Henry® improves on larger sweetspire selections by keeping a refinedLittle Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — with a softly rounded habit that fits easily into contemporary foundation plantingsLittle Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — slender white flower racemes rise and arc like little fireworks above the foliageLittle Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — carrying a light fragrance that draws bees and butterflies into the plantingLittle Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — though flowering and fall color are strongest when it receives at least a few hours of sun each day+33

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Full, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, High, Medium
USDA zones
5–10

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Iteaceae

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Photos (40)

Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — The Itea virginica Little Henry® Sweetspire is a compact Proven Winners® deciduous shrub with arching white
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — then shift into a vivid autumn tapestry of orange
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — Little Henry® improves on larger sweetspire selections by keeping a refined
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — with a softly rounded habit that fits easily into contemporary foundation plantings
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — slender white flower racemes rise and arc like little fireworks above the foliage
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — carrying a light fragrance that draws bees and butterflies into the planting
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — though flowering and fall color are strongest when it receives at least a few hours of sun each day
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — and deep red—often the feature gardeners remember most vividly.<br><br>Part of the Proven Winners® collection
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — mounded presence through the growing season
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — lightly fragrant early-summer flower spires and glossy green leaves that turn vivid orange-red in fall
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — commonly referred to as Little Henry® Sweetspire
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — is a compact native deciduous shrub with a remarkably generous seasonal display
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — It typically matures at 24 to 36 inches tall and wide
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — Its clean green leaves create a lush
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — It forms a tidy mound 24-36 inches tall and wide
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — Grow in sun or shade, with best bloom and color in some sun, in average to moist, well-drained or wet soils
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — or heavy clay where many ornamental shrubs struggle; established plants can also handle occasional dry spells
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — Prune only after bloom if shaping is needed
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — Gardeners frequently report strong performance in wet clay and exposed sites, with little fuss once rooted
Little Henry® Sweetspire (Itea virginica) — It thrives in average to moist soil and is especially useful in damp spots
Itea virginica
Itea virginica
Itea virginica
Itea virginica

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners

Photographs by 3 contributors

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